Eileen
Meaning & Origin
Meaning: Bright; Shining One
Background: The name Eileen originates from the Irish name 'Eibhlín,' which is a diminutive of 'Aibhinn,' meaning 'bright' or 'shining.' This name has roots in the Gaelic language and is also linked to the Greek name 'Helen,' which carries a similar meaning of brightness.
At a glance
Quick stats based on the history of this name.
Lifetime rank
#205
Total births
189,576
Most popular decade
1940s
(104,406 births)
10-year trend
↑ Rising (+124 ranks)
Years in Top 100
20
First recorded year
1882
Gender usage
0.2% male
99.8% female
Stats by gender
Male
- First year
- 1917
- First year births
- 6
- First year rank
- #3,545
- Peak year
- 1943
- Peak year births
- 17
- Peak rank
- #1,764
- Most recent year
- 1989
- Recent year births
- 7
- Recent rank
- #6,227
Female
- First year
- 1882
- First year births
- 6
- First year rank
- #813
- Peak year
- 1947
- Peak year births
- 4,251
- Peak rank
- #91
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 508
- Recent rank
- #592
Births over time
Number of babies given this name each year.
Rank over time
Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).