"bright, shining one"
Origin: Greek via Irish (Eibhlín)
Language: English
Eileen
Pronunciation: [ eyel-EEN ]
Does Eileen flow with your last name?
A bright Irish classic with timeless warmth
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Scottish
English
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Eileen
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"torch of light"
Origin: Greek Helene
Language: English
"little bird"
Origin: Irish folk etymology
Language: Irish
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The Story of Eileen
Eileen is the Anglicized form of Eibhlín, an Irish version of Evelyn or possibly Helen (Greek 'Helene,' meaning 'torch, bright one'). The name entered English from Irish through a complex path — some scholars trace it to the Norman French Aveline, others directly to the Greek Helen. Whatever its route, Eileen has been beloved in Ireland for centuries and carried across the world by the Irish diaspora.
Eileen peaked in English-speaking countries in the mid-20th century, particularly the 1920s-1960s. It's now experiencing a vintage revival as parents rediscover classic names. The 1982 song 'Come On Eileen' by Dexys Midnight Runners remains one of the best-selling UK singles of all time, keeping the name alive in popular culture.
Eileen is deeply embedded in Irish cultural identity, part of a tradition of Gaelic names given English phonetic approximations over centuries of colonization and assimilation. For the Irish diaspora, the name carries both heritage and the sense of a life story spanning two worlds.
Historical Record
Eileen first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 89,054 babies have been named Eileen in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Eileen is past its peak , currently ranked #592 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- 'Come On Eileen' by Dexys Midnight Runners reached #1 in both the UK and US in 1982-83 and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time
- Saint Eileen of Regensburg was an Irish princess who became a Christian martyr in Germany
- The name Eileen has been in the Irish top 100 consistently since records began
Eileen in Other Languages
Irish
Eibhlín
Welsh
Elin
French
Évelyne (cousin form)
Spanish
Eileen
Scottish Gaelic
Eilidh
Popularity Over Time
#592
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Eileen
E
Eileen Collins
Engineer
1956
American astronaut who became the first female pilot and first female commander of a Space Shuttle mission
E
Eileen Brennan
Actor
1932
American actress known for her roles in Private Benjamin (Academy Award nomination) and The Last Picture Show
E
Eileen Wuornos Fictional
Other
Fictional character in the FX series Monster, based on the life of serial killer Aileen Wuornos, portrayed by Evan Peter...
Fictional character in the FX series Monster, based on the life of serial killer Aileen Wuornos, portrayed by Evan Peters
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #592
- Total SSA Count
- 508
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Scottish English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Eillie
Ellie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Eileen
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Eileen is also used as a boy name, ranked #13495.
View Eileen as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Eileen
What does the name Eileen mean?
"bright, shining one" (from Greek via Irish (Eibhlín)). "torch of light" (from Greek Helene). "little bird" (from Irish folk etymology). Eileen is the Anglicized form of Eibhlín, an Irish version of Evelyn or possibly Helen (Greek 'Helene,' meaning 'torch, bright one'). The name entered English from Irish through a complex path — some scholars trace it to the Norman French Aveline, others directly to the Greek Helen. Whatever its route, Eileen has been beloved in Ireland for centuries and carried across the world by the Irish diaspora.
What is the origin of the name Eileen?
Eileen has Greek via Irish (Eibhlín), Greek Helene, Irish folk etymology, Irish, Scottish, English, and American origins. In Greek via Irish (Eibhlín), it means "bright, shining one". In Greek Helene, it means "torch of light". In Irish folk etymology, it means "little bird".
Is Eileen a boy or girl name?
Eileen is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #592. As a boy name, it is ranked #13495. Eileen is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Eileen?
Eileen is pronounced eyel-EEN.
How popular is the name Eileen?
Eileen is currently ranked #592 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Eileen?
Common nicknames for Eileen include Eillie and Ellie.
What are good middle names for Eileen?
Popular middle name pairings include Eileen Rose, Eileen Marie, Eileen Grace, Eileen Jean, Eileen Frances, Eileen Ann, and Eileen Claire.
What are good sibling names for Eileen?
Names that pair well with Eileen as siblings include Brigid, Fiona, Siobhan, Patrick, Declan, and Niall.
How many syllables does Eileen have?
Eileen has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Eileen a common or rare name?
Eileen is moderately common, ranked #592 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Eileen?
Are there other spellings for Eileen?
Related spellings include Eiley.
About the Name Eileen
Eileen is a girl name with Irish, Scottish, English, and American origins . The name means "bright, shining one" in Greek via Irish (Eibhlín) .
Is Eileen a boy or girl name? Eileen is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #592 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #13,495. Eileen is more commonly used as a girl name.
Eileen is currently ranked #592 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Eileen has 2 syllables and is pronounced eyel-EEN, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Eileen include Eillie and Ellie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Eileen include Eiley . 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