"island"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic from Islay island in Scotland
Language: Scottish Gaelic
Isla
Pronunciation: [ EEL-uh ]
Does Isla flow with your last name?
A misty Scottish island name rising to the top worldwide
Scottish
Spanish
English
Irish
Elegant
Earthy
Whimsical
Minimalist
Modern
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"island"
Origin: Spanish isla
Language: Spanish
"island"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: Scottish
"island"
Origin: Spanish
Language: Spanish
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Things to Know About This Name
- Frequently mispronounced — many say IZ-lah instead of EYE-lah
The Story of Isla
Isla comes from the Scottish Gaelic word for 'island,' also related to the Spanish 'isla' (island). In Scotland, the River Isla and the Isle of Islay (pronounced EYE-luh) in the Inner Hebrides are well-known geographical features. The name evokes the wild, beautiful landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and islands — windswept, misty, and ancient.
Isla has been one of the fastest-rising names in the English-speaking world in the 2010s, reaching #1 in Australia and entering the US top 50 by 2018. Australian actress Isla Fisher brought significant attention to the name, and its breezy two-syllable sound appeals to parents seeking something that feels Celtic-cool and internationally accessible.
The Isle of Islay is famous worldwide as home to some of Scotland's most prestigious single-malt Scotch whisky distilleries, including Laphroaig and Ardbeg. In Scottish culture, island names carry romantic associations with remote, unspoiled natural beauty and ancient Celtic heritage.
Historical Record
Isla first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 51,218 babies have been named Isla in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Isla is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #35 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Isla has been the #1 girls' name in Australia for multiple consecutive years
- The name is frequently mispronounced in America — it's EYE-luh (like the Scottish isle), not IZ-lah
Isla in Other Languages
French
Ile
English
Isla
Spanish
Isla
Japanese
Aira
Scottish Gaelic
Ile
Popularity Over Time
#35
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Isla
I
Isla Fisher
Actor
1976
Australian actress known for Wedding Crashers, Confessions of a Shopaholic, and Now You See Me
I
Isla St Clair
Entertainer
1952
Scottish folk singer and television presenter
I
Isla Blair
Actor
1944
British actress with career spanning stage, film and television
I
Isla Cameron
Musician
1929
Scottish folk singer and actress celebrated for preserving traditional Scottish ballads
I
Isla (Outlander) Fictional
Other
The Scottish Highlands setting of the series Outlander features multiple characters with this distinctively Celtic name
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Compare Isla with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #35
- Total SSA Count
- 5,367
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish Spanish English Irish
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Izzy
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
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, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Isla
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Isla is also used as a boy name, ranked #18744.
View Isla as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Isla
What does the name Isla mean?
"island" (from Scottish Gaelic from Islay island in Scotland). "island" (from Spanish isla). "island" (from Scottish Gaelic). "island" (from Spanish). Isla comes from the Scottish Gaelic word for 'island,' also related to the Spanish 'isla' (island). In Scotland, the River Isla and the Isle of Islay (pronounced EYE-luh) in the Inner Hebrides are well-known geographical features. The name evokes the wild, beautiful landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and islands — windswept, misty, and ancient.
What is the origin of the name Isla?
Isla has Scottish Gaelic from Islay island in Scotland, Spanish isla, Scottish Gaelic, Spanish, Scottish, English, and Irish origins. In Scottish Gaelic from Islay island in Scotland, it means "island". In Spanish isla, it means "island". In Scottish Gaelic, it means "island". In Spanish, it means "island".
Is Isla a boy or girl name?
Isla is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #35. As a boy name, it is ranked #18744. Isla is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Isla?
Isla is pronounced EEL-uh.
How popular is the name Isla?
Isla is currently ranked #35 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Isla?
Common nicknames for Isla include Izzy.
What are good middle names for Isla?
Popular middle name pairings include Isla Grace, Isla Rose, Isla Mae, Isla Kate, Isla Jean, and Isla Claire.
What are good sibling names for Isla?
Names that pair well with Isla as siblings include Callum, Finn, Nora, Fiona, Rory, and Bonnie.
How many syllables does Isla have?
Isla has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Isla a common or rare name?
Isla is a very popular name, ranked #35 among girl names in the United States.
What girl names are similar to Isla?
About the Name Isla
Isla is a girl name with Scottish, Spanish, English, and Irish origins . The name means "island" in Scottish Gaelic from Islay island in Scotland .
Is Isla a boy or girl name? Isla is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #35 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #18,744. Isla is more commonly used as a girl name.
Isla is currently ranked #35 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Isla has 2 syllables and is pronounced EEL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Isla include Izzy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Isla include Island, Isley, Islah, Islay . 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