Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Aileen
GirlIrish, French· “uncertain; Irish form of Evelyn”
- Meaning
- uncertain; Irish form of Evelyn (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish, French
- Pronunciation
- eye-LEEN
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #799
- US babies 2025
- 340
- Best rank
- #289 (1926)
- Peak year
- 2009
Meaning and origin of Aileen
Aileen is often said to mean “uncertain; Irish form of Evelyn”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and French roots.
Aileen is an anglicized form of the Irish Eibhlin, which came into Ireland from the Norman name Aveline, the source of Evelyn. The meaning of Aveline is uncertain; it may come from a Germanic element of unclear sense. Aileen has also been linked to Helen, though that connection is disputed. The name has long been used in Ireland and Scotland, and it spread to the United States with immigrant families. It is gentle and graceful, with two flowing syllables. It is pronounced eye-LEEN or ay-LEEN, and Eileen is the most common alternative spelling.
Other spellings with the same sound: Eileen, Ailene.
Popularity over time
Aileen has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 143 different years. Its best national rank was #289 in 1926, and the most babies received it in 2009, when 685 were named Aileen. In 2025, 340 babies were named Aileen, and it ranked #799 nationally. That is 44% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #305 in 1920, #668 in 1950, #778 in 1980, #526 in 2000, #468 in 2010, and #799 in 2025. Of the 37,637 US girls named Aileen since records began, 15% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 5,355 babies. Since 2010, 7,678 more have been named Aileen.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Melina, Abbigail, Brisa, Lexie, and Mylee.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Aileen ranked highest in California, Texas, and Arkansas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #381 | 86 |
| Texas | #402 | 83 |
| Arkansas | #557 | 5 |
| Arizona | #632 | 10 |
| Illinois | #668 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Aileen is usually pronounced eye-LEEN, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-en”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Eileen and Ailene.
Middle names for Aileen
A few middle names that flow with Aileen: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Aileen
Similar names
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ROH-uhn
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ay-LEEN
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Raven Girl
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Kathleen Girl
kath-LEEN
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Maren Girl
MAIR-uhn
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Arden Unisex
AR-den
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Belen Girl
beh-LEHN
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Lists that include Aileen
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Aileen mean?
Aileen is often said to mean “uncertain; Irish form of Evelyn”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and French roots.
What is the origin of the name Aileen?
Aileen has Irish and French roots. Aileen is an anglicized form of the Irish Eibhlin, which came into Ireland from the Norman name Aveline, the source of Evelyn.
Is Aileen a popular name?
Yes. Aileen ranked #799 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Aileen a boy or girl name?
Aileen is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Aileen?
Aileen is usually pronounced eye-LEEN. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings