Aisling Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ASH-ling /ˈæʃ.lɪŋ/
Origin: Irish
Meaning: dream; vision
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Aisling originates from the Irish language, derived from the word "aisling," which translates to "dream" or "vision." This term has its roots in the Old Irish language, where it was used to describe a poetic genre that emerged in the 17th century, characterized by a vision or dream of a beautiful woman representing Ireland. The linguistic journey of Aisling into English reflects the broader historical interactions between the Irish and English languages, particularly during the periods of English colonization and cultural exchange in Ireland.
Historically, the Aisling genre became prominent during the Gaelic revival in the late 17th century, with notable poets such as Aogán Ó Rathaille and later, the 18th-century poet, Brian Merriman, contributing to its development. The themes of these poems often revolved around the longing for Irish independence and the personification of Ireland as a woman, which imbued the name with cultural significance.
The genre's popularity continued into the 19th century, influencing the Romantic movement and the broader literary landscape, which further solidified the name's association with Irish identity and nationalism. Culturally, Aisling symbolizes not only a vision or dream but also a connection to the rich tapestry of Irish folklore and mythology.
The name evokes a sense of beauty and aspiration, resonating deeply within the context of Irish heritage. In addition to its poetic roots, Aisling has been associated with various figures in literature and art, reinforcing its significance as a representation of hope and the quest for freedom.
The name's enduring legacy is reflected in its continued use in literature and the arts, where it serves as a reminder of the cultural and historical narratives that shape Irish identity.
Famous people named Aisling
In this section, you will find notable people named Aisling. 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 Aisling who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Aisling 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.
Aisling Bea is a comedian and actress best known for This Way Up, Living with Yourself, and The Fall.
Aisling Franciosi is an actress best known for The Nightingale, The Fall, and Game of Thrones.
Fictional characters named Aisling
The following list of fictional characters named Aisling is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Aisling is a fictional character from the video game series Fire Emblem. She is a prominent figure in the narrative, often representing themes of hope and dreams.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Aisling, 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 Aisling. 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 Aisling was first seen in the United States in 1972.
Aisling has ranked as high as #1229 nationally, which occurred in 2002, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
In the past 5 years the name Aisling has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Aisling 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 Aisling was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Aisling (2023)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 5 |
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 Aisling.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2023 | 36 |
| 2022 | 47 |
| 2021 | 45 |
| 2020 | 30 |
| 2019 | 35 |
| 2018 | 33 |
| 2017 | 27 |
| 2016 | 49 |
| 2015 | 48 |
| 2014 | 42 |
| 2013 | 46 |
| 2012 | 46 |
| 2011 | 53 |
| 2010 | 43 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2008 | 39 |
| 2007 | 43 |
| 2006 | 30 |
| 2005 | 42 |
| 2004 | 42 |
| 2003 | 46 |
| 2002 | 61 |
| 2001 | 32 |
| 2000 | 35 |
| 1999 | 41 |
| 1998 | 43 |
| 1997 | 36 |
| 1996 | 37 |
| 1995 | 31 |
| 1994 | 18 |
| 1993 | 27 |
| 1992 | 27 |
| 1991 | 22 |
| 1990 | 14 |
| 1989 | 27 |
| 1988 | 23 |
| 1987 | 27 |
| 1986 | 20 |
| 1985 | 18 |
| 1984 | 17 |
| 1983 | 19 |
| 1981 | 9 |
| 1980 | 6 |
| 1978 | 5 |
| 1973 | 5 |
| 1972 | 5 |