"dream, vision"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: English
Aislinn
Pronunciation: [ AYSL-ihn ]
Girl Name
#1,477 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
An Irish dream-vision name wrapped in poetry
Irish
Scottish
American
Whimsical
Literary
Vintage
Earthy
Elegant
Meaning & Origin
"dream, aspiration"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
Things to Know About This Name
- Spelling frequently mispronounced — the silent letters cause confusion for non-Irish speakers
The Story of Aislinn
Aislinn comes from the Old Irish word 'aisling' meaning dream or vision. In medieval Irish literary tradition, the aisling (dream vision) was an entire poetic genre in which Ireland appeared as a beautiful woman to the poet. The name embodies this mystical tradition, carrying the weight of centuries of Irish poetry and folklore.
Aislinn experienced a revival in Ireland and among Irish-American families in the late 20th century as part of the broader Celtic heritage revival. In Ireland, it consistently appears in the top 100 girls' names, while in the US it remains distinctive, often chosen by families with Irish roots.
The aisling tradition in Irish poetry (17th-19th centuries) featured visions of Ireland as a grieving woman who prophesied her country's liberation. Names like Aislinn and Aisling thus carry deep nationalist and literary resonance in Irish culture.
Fun Facts
- The aisling was a complete medieval Irish poetic genre — dream visions where Ireland appeared as a woman
- The spelling Aislinn contains a 'silent' dh pattern that trips up non-Irish speakers
Aislinn in Other Languages
Irish
Aisling
Welsh
Eislinn
English
Ashling
Scottish Gaelic
Aisling
Famous People Named Aislinn
A
Aislinn Paul
Actor
1994
Canadian actress known for her role as Clare Edwards in Degrassi: The Next Generation
A
Aislinn Derbez
Actor
1987
Mexican actress and daughter of comedian Eugenio Derbez
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,477
- Total SSA Count
- 148
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Scottish American
- Pronunciation
- Hard
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ash
Linny
Pairs Well With
Aislinn Rose
Aislinn Grace
Aislinn Maeve
Aislinn Claire
Aislinn Fiona
Aislinn Kate
Aislinn Jane
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
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Frequently Asked Questions About Aislinn
What does the name Aislinn mean?
"dream, vision" (from Old Irish). "dream, aspiration" (from Irish Gaelic). Aislinn comes from the Old Irish word 'aisling' meaning dream or vision. In medieval Irish literary tradition, the aisling (dream vision) was an entire poetic genre in which Ireland appeared as a beautiful woman to the poet. The name embodies this mystical tradition, carrying the weight of centuries of Irish poetry and folklore.
What is the origin of the name Aislinn?
Aislinn has Old Irish, Irish Gaelic, Irish, Scottish, and American origins. In Old Irish, it means "dream, vision". In Irish Gaelic, it means "dream, aspiration".
Is Aislinn a boy or girl name?
Aislinn is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Aislinn?
Aislinn is pronounced AYSL-ihn.
How popular is the name Aislinn?
Aislinn is currently ranked #1477 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Aislinn?
Common nicknames for Aislinn include Ash and Linny.
What are good middle names for Aislinn?
Popular middle name pairings include Aislinn Rose, Aislinn Grace, Aislinn Maeve, Aislinn Claire, Aislinn Fiona, Aislinn Kate, and Aislinn Jane.
What are good sibling names for Aislinn?
Names that pair well with Aislinn as siblings include Cormac, Fionnuala, Declan, Niamh, Ciaran, Brigid, and Tiernan.
How many syllables does Aislinn have?
Aislinn has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Aislinn a common or rare name?
Aislinn is an uncommon name, ranked #1477 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Aislinn
Aislinn is a girl name with Irish, Scottish, and American origins . The name means "dream, vision" in Old Irish .
Aislinn is currently ranked #1,477 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Aislinn has 2 syllables and is pronounced AYSL-ihn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Aislinn include Ash and Linny. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Aislinn include Aislynn, Aislyn, Aisley, Aislin, Aisling . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.