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Eileen Girl

Popularity: #493 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationEYE-leen / /ˈaɪ.liːn/

Irish; English

Meaning

Irish: bright, shining; English: derived from Eibhlin

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Eileen has its roots in the Irish name Eibhlín, which is derived from the Old French name Aveline, meaning "hazelnut." The transition from Aveline to Eibhlín occurred through the influence of the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century, which introduced many French names into the Irish naming tradition. The name Eibhlín was further adapted into the anglicized form Eileen, which became more widely used in English-speaking countries, particularly from the 19th century onward.

Historically, Eileen has been associated with various notable figures and cultural references. One significant milestone is the use of the name in literature and poetry, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, where it appeared in works that highlighted Irish heritage and identity. The name is also linked to the Irish saint Eileen, who is venerated in some traditions, although specific details about her life are scarce. The name's presence in the context of Irish folklore and literature has contributed to its enduring appeal.

Culturally, Eileen carries connotations of beauty and grace, often associated with the hazelnut, which has symbolic meanings in various traditions, including wisdom and protection. The name has been embraced in various forms of art and music, further embedding it within cultural narratives. The diminutive form "Eily" is sometimes used affectionately, reflecting the name's softer, more intimate connotations. Overall, Eileen's journey from Old French to contemporary usage illustrates the blending of linguistic and cultural influences that characterize much of Irish naming history.

Trend Summary

Eileen has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Eibhlin
  • Aileen

International Variants

  • Eilidh (Scottish); Ilene (English); Ailín (Irish)

Famous people named Eileen

Eileen Atkins is an actress and playwright best known for The Crown, Gosford Park, and Upstairs, Downstairs.

Eileen Fisher is a fashion designer best known for her eponymous clothing brand and sustainable fashion initiatives.

Eileen Myles is a poet and writer best known for Chelsea Girls, Inferno, and The Importance of Being Iceland.

Fictional characters named Eileen

Eileen Prince is a fictional character from the book series Harry Potter. She is the mother of the character Severus Snape and plays a significant role in his backstory.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Eileen was first seen in the United States in 1882. Eileen has ranked as high as #171 nationally, which occurred in 1947, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, and New Jersey. In the past 5 years the name Eileen has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Eileen (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 83
19%
TX 65
15%
NY 37
8%
IL 22
5%
FL 20
4%
NJ 19
4%
GA 18
4%
NC 17
4%
VA 17
4%
MD 17
4%
TN 15
3%
PA 15
3%
AZ 14
3%
IN 13
3%
WA 13
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18826
18835
18856
188615
188715
188814
188920
189015
189113
189235
189332
189436
189544
189646
189759
189881
189977
190085
190186
190291
1903101
1904120
1905124
1906161
1907168
1908199
1909216
1910258
1911336
1912470
1913614
1914920
19151,493
19161,858
19172,147
19182,264
19192,346
19202,718
19212,862
19222,939
19232,976
19243,070
19252,964
19262,928
19272,929
19282,644
19292,558
19302,378
19312,224
19322,121
19332,004
19342,227
19352,199
19362,320
19372,344
19382,283
19392,158
19402,034
19412,196
19423,107
19434,092
19443,649
19453,637
19464,168
19474,251
19483,838
19493,722
19503,883
19513,816
19523,742
19533,629
19543,680
19553,503
19563,451
19573,710
19583,526
19593,629
19603,496
19613,489
19623,058
19632,936
19642,585
19652,418
19662,039
19671,793
19681,578
19691,475
19701,282
19711,036
1972918
1973865
1974759
1975662
1976564
1977631
1978629
1979570
1980613
1981585
1982584
1983689
1984614
1985560
1986534
1987471
1988515
1989524
1990529
1991422
1992403
1993401
1994368
1995372
1996373
1997377
1998450
1999414
2000402
2001407
2002380
2003389
2004358
2005381
2006355
2007396
2008386
2009347
2010321
2011369
2012324
2013359
2014391
2015408
2016390
2017421
2018439
2019413
2020401
2021440
2022475
2023444
2024508