"dream, vision"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
Aisling
Pronunciation: [ AYSL-ihng ]
Does Aisling flow with your last name?
Irish for vision — poetry and dreams in two syllables
Irish
Celtic
Irish-American
Whimsical
Literary
Earthy
Elegant
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"poetic vision of Ireland as a woman"
Origin: Irish literary tradition
Language: Irish
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The Story of Aisling
Aisling (also spelled Aislinn) comes from the Old Irish word 'aislinge,' meaning a dream or vision. In Irish literary tradition, an 'aisling' is a specific type of poem dating from the 17th and 18th centuries in which Ireland appears to the poet as a beautiful woman (often called the 'Spéirbhean' or sky-woman) and laments the country's suffering under English rule. Giving a daughter this name connects her to centuries of Irish poetic and political tradition.
Aisling has been among the most popular girls' names in Ireland for decades. Outside Ireland, it gained traction in Irish diaspora communities — particularly in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia — as families sought authentic Irish names. The challenge of pronunciation outside Ireland gives it a distinctive Irish identity.
The aisling poem tradition is one of the most important genres in Irish literature. Poets including Aogán Ó Rathaille and Eoghan Rua Ó Súilleabháin wrote famous aislings that kept Irish cultural identity alive during the 18th century. Naming a daughter Aisling honors this literary and nationalist heritage.
Historical Record
Aisling first appeared in US Social Security records in 1972.
Over 1,494 babies have been named Aisling in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Aisling is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #4,617 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The aisling poem tradition dates to the 17th century when Ireland was under English Penal Laws
- Aisling has been a top-5 girls' name in Ireland for much of the 20th and 21st centuries
- The Irish 'sl' combination is pronounced 'shl' — the reason 'Aisling' sounds like 'ASH-ling' to English ears
Aisling in Other Languages
Irish
Aisling / Aislinn
Welsh
Breuddwyd (equivalent)
English
Ashley (anglicized)
Scottish Gaelic
Aisling
Popularity Over Time
#4,617
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Aisling
A
Aisling Franciosi
Actor
1993
Irish-Italian actress known for The Nightingale and Game of Thrones
A
Aisling Bea
Entertainer
1984
Irish comedian, actress, and writer known for This Way Up and QI panelist appearances
A
Aisling Walsh
Other
Irish film and television director known for Maudie (2016) and BBC productions
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Compare Aisling with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,617
- Total SSA Count
- 30
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Celtic Irish-American
- Pronunciation
- Hard
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ash
Aish
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, whimsical style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, literary style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, literary style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Aisling
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Aisling
What does the name Aisling mean?
"dream, vision" (from Irish Gaelic). "poetic vision of Ireland as a woman" (from Irish literary tradition). Aisling (also spelled Aislinn) comes from the Old Irish word 'aislinge,' meaning a dream or vision. In Irish literary tradition, an 'aisling' is a specific type of poem dating from the 17th and 18th centuries in which Ireland appears to the poet as a beautiful woman (often called the 'Spéirbhean' or sky-woman) and laments the country's suffering under English rule. Giving a daughter this name connects her to centuries of Irish poetic and political tradition.
What is the origin of the name Aisling?
Aisling has Irish Gaelic, Irish literary tradition, Irish, Celtic, and Irish-American origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "dream, vision". In Irish literary tradition, it means "poetic vision of Ireland as a woman".
Is Aisling a boy or girl name?
Aisling is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Aisling?
Aisling is pronounced AYSL-ihng.
How popular is the name Aisling?
Aisling is currently ranked #4617 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Aisling?
Common nicknames for Aisling include Ash and Aish.
What are good middle names for Aisling?
Popular middle name pairings include Aisling Niamh, Aisling Caoimhe, Aisling Siobhan, Aisling Marie, Aisling Grace, Aisling Rose, and Aisling Claire.
What are good sibling names for Aisling?
Names that pair well with Aisling as siblings include Saoirse, Niamh, Caoimhe, Fionn, Cian, Brigid, and Roisín.
How many syllables does Aisling have?
Aisling has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Aisling a common or rare name?
Aisling is an uncommon name, ranked #4617 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Aisling?
About the Name Aisling
Aisling is a girl name with Irish, Celtic, and Irish-American origins . The name means "dream, vision" in Irish Gaelic .
Aisling is currently ranked #4,617 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Aisling has 2 syllables and is pronounced AYSL-ihng, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Aisling include Ash and Aish. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Aisling include Aislinn, Aislynn, Aislyn, Aisley, Aislin . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis