Paisley: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced PAYZ-lee · 2 syllables
Paisley means “from the Scottish town; the swirling pattern”, from Scottish.
From Scottish Gaelic Paislig (“pasture”). Despite occasional respellings such as Paisleigh, this word does not etymologically contain the suffix -ley/-leigh.
- Meaning
- from the Scottish town; the swirling pattern
- Origin
- Scottish
- Pronunciation
- PAYZ-lee
- US rank (2025)
- #67
- US babies a year
- about 4,400 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2010
How popular is Paisley?
Paisley was the #67 name in the US in 2025, given to 3,513 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2010.
Most popular in West Virginia (#8).
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #67 |
| England & Wales | #146 |
| Scotland | #178 |
| Northern Ireland | #397 |
| Ireland | #690 |
| Canada | #152 |
| Australia | #129 |
How old are people named Paisley?
Half of US adults named Paisley are older than 21; most are between 18 and 38. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Paisley
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Paisley
What does the name Paisley mean?
Paisley means “from the Scottish town; the swirling pattern”. It comes from Scottish.
How do you pronounce Paisley?
Paisley is pronounced PAYZ-lee.
How popular is the name Paisley?
Paisley was the #67 name in the US in 2025, given to 3,513 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2010.
How old are people named Paisley?
Half of US adults named Paisley are older than 21. Most are between 18 and 38.