Aileen Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Aileen is an Irish name that means 'bright, shining light'. It evolved from 'Eibhlín', a diminutive of 'Aveline', and has historical roots in Irish culture. The name has been associated with positive traits and gained popularity in the 19th century. It has no biblical relevance but remains a well-regarded name in modern times.
The name Aileen is most popular in Hawaii, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Aileen has been stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Aileen' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24088th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 315th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 481st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 675th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 753rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 778th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 516th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 648th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Aileen' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Aileen"
Pronunciation
/eɪˈliːn/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Aileen is derived from the Irish name 'Eibhlín', which is a diminutive form of the name 'Aveline'. It is often associated with the meaning 'bright, shining light'.
Meaning
bright, shining light
Language Evolution
Eibhlín, Aveline, Aileen
Historical Usage
Aileen became popular in the 19th century, particularly among Irish communities and has remained a common name in various English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Eileen, Ailene, Ailín
Modern Popularity & Image
Aileen is viewed as a classic and elegant name, often associated with kindness and warmth. It remains moderately popular in various cultures.
Famous People
Aileen Wuornos - an American serial killer, Aileen Lee - a prominent venture capitalist
Explore More Aileen Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Aileen"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Aileen"
"Aileen" Popularity Across American Generations
Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
---|---|---|---|
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 24088th of 24088 | 5 |
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 315th of 9107 | 7,387 |
Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 481st of 9204 | 3,915 |
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 675th of 12526 | 3,851 |
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 753rd of 19264 | 3,120 |
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 778th of 27321 | 3,944 |
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 516th of 35406 | 9,159 |
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 648th of 30306 | 5,455 |
Regional Popularity of "Aileen" by Generation for Male Names
TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
---|---|---|---|---|
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Aileen" by Generation for Female Names
TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
---|---|---|---|---|
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
19.00% 269th/1416 |
23.57% 325th/1379 |
14.37% 340th/2366 |
19.26% 220th/1142 |
Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
30.40% 470th/1546 |
25.51% 397th/1556 |
21.33% 502nd/2353 |
22.43% 347th/1547 |
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
36.64% 816th/2227 |
19.55% 475th/2430 |
38.80% 1107th/2853 |
19.24% 534th/2775 |
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
34.97% 1027th/2937 |
14.21% 495th/3483 |
31.10% 1094th/3518 |
16.86% 682nd/4044 |
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
32.35% 1192nd/3685 |
11.96% 535th/4475 |
19.50% 1013th/5194 |
9.81% 620th/6317 |
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
21.32% 977th/4582 |
13.05% 674th/5164 |
8.96% 655th/7313 |
3.95% 295th/7463 |
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
27.89% 1111th/3984 |
17.63% 791st/4487 |
10.45% 713th/6822 |
6.29% 395th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Aileen"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Aileen" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.