Eileen
Irish · Girl · 2 syllables
Popularity & facts
Relative popularity index, 2010–2025Popularity over time
Popularity indexHistorical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data
About the name Eileen
Eileen is an English form of the Irish name Eibhlín, derived from the Norman-French name Aveline, ultimately rooted in the Germanic element "avi" meaning "desired" or "wished for." The name became particularly common in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities, gaining widespread popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century, with notable bearers including activist Eileen Gray and athlete Eileen Coyle.
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Etymology
Eileen is an English form of the Irish name Eibhlín, derived from the Norman-French name Aveline, ultimately rooted in the Germanic element "avi" meaning "desired" or "wished for." The name became particularly common in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities, gaining widespread popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century, with notable bearers including activist Eileen Gray and athlete Eileen Coyle.
Eileen currently ranks #654 in the United States as a girl's name. It reached its peak popularity around 1947.
Variants & nicknames
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