Eileen
Eileen: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /aɪˈliːn/ · /ˈaɪliːn/
Meaning and origin of Eileen
Root meaning: “radiance, beauty”
- A female given name from Irish.
Etymology
From Anglicized forms of Irish Eibhlín, Eilín or Aibhilín in Middle English and Modern English, all cognates of Evelyn from Old French Aveline. Sometimes also used for the Irish name Éibhleann, possibly from Old Irish oíph (“radiance, beauty”).
How popular is Eileen?
Since 1880, 189,614 girls and 406 boys in the U.S. have been named Eileen (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #68 in 1943. Its highest rank for boys was #1786 in 1943. In 2025 it ranked #654 for girls, with 437 babies given the name.
Names similar to Eileen
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Irish girl names
Sibling name ideas for Eileen
Sister and brother names that share Eileen's Irish roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Eileen FAQ
What does the name Eileen mean?
Eileen traces back to a root meaning "radiance, beauty". A female given name from Irish. From Anglicized forms of Irish Eibhlín, Eilín or Aibhilín in Middle English and Modern English, all cognates of Evelyn from Old French Aveline. Sometimes also used for the Irish name Éibhleann, possibly from Old Irish oíph (“radiance, beauty”).
What is the origin of the name Eileen?
Eileen is listed as a name of Irish origin.
How popular is the name Eileen?
Since 1880, 189,614 girls and 406 boys in the U.S. have been named Eileen (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #68 in 1943. Its highest rank for boys was #1786 in 1943. In 2025 it ranked #654 for girls, with 437 babies given the name.
Is Eileen a boy or girl name?
Eileen is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 189,614 girls and 406 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.