Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Eileen
GirlIrish, French· “Irish form of Evelyn”
- Meaning
- Irish form of Evelyn
- Origin
- Irish, French
- Pronunciation
- eye-LEEN
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #654
- US babies 2025
- 437
- Best rank
- #68 (1943)
- Peak year
- 1947
Meaning and origin of Eileen
Eileen is an Irish and French name that is usually said to mean “Irish form of Evelyn”.
Eileen is the anglicized spelling of the Irish Eibhlín, which came from the Norman name Aveline, the source of Evelyn. The deeper origin of Aveline is uncertain; it may come from a Germanic element whose meaning is unclear. Eibhlín has also been associated with Helen in Ireland. Eileen spread widely in the English-speaking world in the early twentieth century and gained lasting fame through the song "Come On Eileen." It has a warm, gentle Irish sound and a classic feel. Eily and Lena are possible nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Aileen, Ailene.
Popularity over time
Eileen first appears in US Social Security records in 1882. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 143 different years, starting in 1882. Its best national rank was #68 in 1943, and the most babies received it in 1947, when 4,251 were named Eileen. In 2025, 437 babies were named Eileen, and it ranked #654 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #100 in 1920, #91 in 1950, #377 in 1980, #625 in 2000, #838 in 2010, and #654 in 2025. Of the 189,614 US girls named Eileen since records began, 19% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 34,695 babies. Since 2010, 6,545 more have been named Eileen.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Jeanne, Dianne, Rosemary, Lynda, and Sally.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Eileen ranked highest in Massachusetts, New York, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #360 | 16 |
| New York | #393 | 44 |
| Washington | #396 | 18 |
| California | #416 | 80 |
| New Jersey | #431 | 18 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Eileen is usually pronounced eye-LEEN, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with E and ends in “-en”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Aileen and Ailene.
Middle names for Eileen
A few middle names that flow with Eileen: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Eileen
Similar names
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Lists that include Eileen
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Eileen mean?
Eileen is an Irish and French name that is usually said to mean “Irish form of Evelyn”.
What is the origin of the name Eileen?
Eileen has Irish and French roots. Eileen is the anglicized spelling of the Irish Eibhlín, which came from the Norman name Aveline, the source of Evelyn.
Is Eileen a popular name?
Yes. Eileen ranked #654 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Eileen a boy or girl name?
Eileen is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Eileen?
Eileen 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