Eileen: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced eye-LEEN · 2 syllables
Eileen means “radiance, beauty”, from Irish and English and French.
From Anglicized forms of Irish Eibhlin, Eilin or Aibhilin in Middle English and Modern English, all cognates of Evelyn from Old French Aveline. Sometimes also used for the Irish name Eibhleann, possibly from Old Irish oiph (“radiance, beauty”).
- Meaning
- radiance, beauty
- Origin
- Irish, English, French
- Pronunciation
- eye-LEEN
- US rank (2025)
- #654
- US babies a year
- about 462 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1920
- Style
- Vintage, Classic
How popular is Eileen?
Eileen was the #654 name in the US in 2025, given to 437 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1920.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #654 |
| Scotland | #992 |
| Ireland | #434 |
| France | #656 |
| Norway | #490 |
| Canada | #555 |
| Australia | #432 |
How old are people named Eileen?
Half of US adults named Eileen are older than 67; most are between 29 and 86. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Eileen
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Eileen have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Eileen
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
- Kathleen
- Arlene
- Lorraine
- Rosemary
- Noreen
- Nadine
- Elaine
- Arleen
- Yvonne
- Joan
- Marianne
- Ilene
- Shirley
- Georgette
- Charline
- Marylou
On these lists
Questions about Eileen
What does the name Eileen mean?
Eileen means “radiance, beauty”. It comes from Irish and English and French.
How do you pronounce Eileen?
Eileen is pronounced eye-LEEN.
How popular is the name Eileen?
Eileen was the #654 name in the US in 2025, given to 437 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1920.
How old are people named Eileen?
Half of US adults named Eileen are older than 67. Most are between 29 and 86.