Ailsa Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: AIL-sah /ˈeɪl.sə/
Origin: Scottish; Old Norse
Meaning: Scottish: elf victory; Old Norse: from the island of Ailsa
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Ailsa has its roots in the Old Norse name "Álfsigr," which is composed of the elements "álfr," meaning "elf," and "sigr," meaning "victory." This name evolved through various linguistic transformations, eventually becoming associated with the Scottish island of Ailsa Craig, which is derived from the Gaelic name "Ailseil," meaning "the fairy rock." The transition into English occurred as the name was adopted in Scotland, where it became more widely recognized and used during the Middle Ages, particularly from the 12th century onward. Historically, the name Ailsa is linked to the cultural and geographical significance of Ailsa Craig, a prominent landmark in the Firth of Clyde, which has been a site of folklore and legend.
The island has been associated with various myths, including those involving fairies and other supernatural beings, which resonate with the name's etymological roots in elves. The name gained further prominence in the 19th century, particularly through literature and poetry that celebrated Scottish landscapes and heritage, contributing to its cultural resonance.
In addition to its geographical ties, Ailsa has been embraced in various forms of art and literature, symbolizing beauty and nature. The name's connection to the ethereal qualities of elves enhances its appeal, evoking a sense of mystique and charm.
While diminutive forms like Ailse or Ailsie may have emerged informally, Ailsa itself remains the most recognized form. Overall, the name Ailsa encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic heritage, historical significance, and cultural symbolism, reflecting the enduring allure of its origins.
Famous people named Ailsa
In this section, you will find notable people named Ailsa. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Ailsa who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Ailsa who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Ailsa Craig is a small island best known for its bird sanctuary and as a notable landmark in the Firth of Clyde.
Ailsa McGowan is a Scottish artist best known for her contemporary paintings and exhibitions.
Ailsa Land is a British television presenter best known for her work on BBC programs.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Ailsa, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Ailsa. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Ailsa was first seen in the United States in 1918.
Ailsa has ranked as high as #9923 nationally, which occurred in 2003, and has been most popular in .
In the past 5 years the name Ailsa has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Ailsa is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Ailsa was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Ailsa.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 5 |
| 2023 | 5 | 5 |
| 2021 | 10 | 10 |
| 2020 | 5 | 5 |
| 2019 | 6 | 6 |
| 2018 | 14 | 14 |
| 2017 | 9 | 9 |
| 2016 | 12 | 12 |
| 2015 | 9 | 9 |
| 2014 | 11 | 11 |
| 2013 | 15 | 15 |
| 2012 | 14 | 14 |
| 2011 | 12 | 12 |
| 2010 | 19 | 19 |
| 2009 | 12 | 12 |
| 2008 | 12 | 12 |
| 2007 | 13 | 13 |
| 2006 | 5 | 5 |
| 2005 | 16 | 16 |
| 2004 | 12 | 12 |
| 2003 | 19 | 19 |
| 2002 | 12 | 12 |
| 2001 | 14 | 14 |
| 2000 | 8 | 8 |
| 1999 | 15 | 15 |
| 1998 | 14 | 14 |
| 1997 | 11 | 11 |
| 1996 | 11 | 11 |
| 1995 | 10 | 10 |
| 1994 | 8 | 8 |
| 1993 | 11 | 11 |
| 1992 | 12 | 12 |
| 1991 | 9 | 9 |
| 1990 | 11 | 11 |
| 1989 | 6 | 6 |
| 1988 | 9 | 9 |
| 1987 | 10 | 10 |
| 1986 | 10 | 10 |
| 1982 | 5 | 5 |
| 1980 | 5 | 5 |
| 1979 | 7 | 7 |
| 1978 | 13 | 13 |
| 1977 | 8 | 8 |
| 1975 | 8 | 8 |
| 1974 | 7 | 7 |
| 1973 | 11 | 11 |
| 1972 | 6 | 6 |
| 1971 | 12 | 12 |
| 1970 | 8 | 8 |
| 1967 | 6 | 6 |
| 1926 | 10 | 10 |
| 1922 | 6 | 6 |
| 1920 | 5 | 5 |
| 1918 | 5 | 5 |
Top States for Ailsa
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
No state data available for this year.