Eileen

Pronunciation: [ eyel-EEN ]

Girl Name #592 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

A bright Irish classic with timeless warmth

Irish Scottish English American

Vintage Classic Gentle Literary

Meaning & Origin

"bright, shining one"

Origin: Greek via Irish (Eibhlín)

Language: English

"torch of light"

Origin: Greek Helene

Language: English

"little bird"

Origin: Irish folk etymology

Language: Irish

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.

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

Famous People Named Eileen

Eileen Collins

Engineer

1956

American astronaut who became the first female pilot and first female commander of a Space Shuttle mission

Eileen Brennan

Actor

1932

American actress known for her roles in Private Benjamin (Academy Award nomination) and The Last Picture Show

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

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

Eiley #3670

Common Nicknames

Eillie Ellie

Pairs Well With

Eileen Rose Eileen Marie Eileen Grace Eileen Jean Eileen Frances Eileen Ann Eileen Claire

Sibling Names

Brigid Fiona Siobhan Patrick Declan Niall

Also a Boy Name

Eileen is also used as a boy name, ranked #13495.

View Eileen as a boy name →

Similar Names

Katherine Kathleen Helene Paulina Katheryn Aileen Elaine Arlene

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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.

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.