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Isla Girl

Popularity: #35 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationEYE-lah / ˈaɪ.lə

Scottish; Spanish

Meaning

Scottish: island; Spanish: devoted to God

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Isla has its roots in the Scottish Gaelic word "isle," which means "island." This etymology can be traced back to the Old Norse word "ey," also meaning "island," reflecting the influence of Norse settlers in Scotland. The name is often associated with the Scottish island of Islay, which is known for its natural beauty and whisky production. The transition of the name into English occurred as the Gaelic language and culture began to influence the English-speaking world, particularly during the medieval period when Scotland and England had significant interactions.

Historically, Isla has been used as a given name since at least the 19th century, although it gained more widespread recognition in the 20th century. One notable literary reference is in the works of Scottish authors who celebrated the beauty of the Scottish landscape, including its islands. The name has also been associated with various figures in Scottish history, although specific historical milestones are less documented compared to more common names. The romantic imagery of islands in literature and poetry has contributed to the name's appeal, evoking a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.

Culturally, Isla resonates with themes of nature and serenity, often symbolizing a connection to the earth and water. The name's association with islands evokes notions of isolation and peace, which have made it a favored choice in various artistic expressions. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Isie" have emerged, reflecting affectionate or familial connections. Overall, Isla embodies a rich linguistic heritage and cultural significance, rooted in the natural landscapes of Scotland and the broader historical context of the British Isles.

Trend Summary

Isla has seen a significant rise in popularity in the United States over the past two decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Islay
  • Islaigh

International Variants

  • Isla (Spanish)
  • Islay (Scottish)

Famous people named Isla

Isla Fisher is an actress best known for Wedding Crashers, Confessions of a Shopaholic, and Now You See Me.

Isla Blair is an actress best known for The Riddle of the Sands, The Man Who Knew Too Much, and The Last of the Blonde Bombshells.

Fictional characters named Isla

Isla is a fictional character from the novel The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski. She is a powerful sorceress who plays a significant role in the story's magical conflicts.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Isla was first seen in the United States in 1886. Isla has ranked as high as #90 nationally, which occurred in 2021, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Isla has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Isla (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 587
11%
TX 352
7%
FL 347
7%
NY 262
5%
PA 221
4%
OH 213
4%
IL 185
4%
NC 179
4%
MA 163
3%
VA 154
3%
WA 152
3%
NJ 150
3%
MN 130
3%
IN 130
3%
CO 122
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18867
188711
18895
189010
18917
18926
18937
18946
18958
18967
18975
189812
18996
190013
19019
19029
19036
19049
190516
190611
190712
190818
19099
191014
191111
191216
191322
191425
191522
191635
191734
191834
191931
192023
192126
192241
192334
192422
192525
192627
192720
192826
192925
193023
193120
193221
193321
193412
193519
193624
193715
193812
193915
194010
194117
19427
19439
194414
19458
19465
19478
194810
19497
19509
19519
19528
19537
19625
19635
19645
19655
19765
19776
197810
19795
19815
19826
19835
198511
19865
19878
19888
19897
19909
199110
19928
19937
199415
199516
199613
199723
199825
199918
200037
200124
200229
200338
200435
200554
200692
2007178
2008493
2009945
20101,099
20111,208
20121,385
20131,912
20142,135
20152,272
20162,521
20172,879
20183,410
20194,043
20204,579
20215,540
20225,284
20235,381
20245,367