All about the name

Eillen

Female

« Eileen is an Irish feminine given name derived from 'Eibhlin', meaning 'beautiful with bright hair'. »

#40933 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Eileen is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Eibhlin," which consists of the elements "Eithne" meaning "little" or "not important," and "flin" meaning "with bright hair." Therefore, Eileen can be translated to mean "beautiful with bright hair." The name Eileen has been popular in Ireland for centuries. It was particularly common during the 19th century, when many Irish immigrants brought the name with them as they settled in other countries like England and America. Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Eileen. One example is the Irish poet and playwright Eileen Grey (1876-1970), who was known for her avant-garde furniture designs and contributions to modern architecture. Another notable figure is American actress Eileen Brennan (1932-2017), who appeared in films such as "Private Benjamin" and "The Last Picture Show." While Eileen may not be as widely used today compared to its peak popularity during the mid-20th century, it remains a beloved name with a rich history and meaningful origin.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Eillen since 1880

Total births
28
Total since 1880
Peak year
1921
7 births
in 1969
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years