Declining since 2010, #799 for girls today.
Popularity of Aileen since 1880
Babies named Aileen per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2009, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Aileen's real moment was 1926.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 63 |
| 1890s | 332 |
| 1900s | 818 |
| 1910s | 2,831 |
| 1920s | 4,648 |
| 1930s | 2,157 |
| 1940s | 1,629 |
| 1950s | 1,957 |
| 1960s | 2,308 |
| 1970s | 1,781 |
| 1980s | 2,356 |
| 1990s | 3,258 |
| 2000s | 5,821 |
| 2010s | 5,355 |
| 2020s | 2,323 |
Meaning & origin
Aileen, a name of Irish origin, has been in steady use in the United States since 1880. It reached its peak rank of 799 in 1926, reflecting its popularity during the 1920s. Today, it is less common, with approximately 1 in 4,727 girls receiving the name in 2025. The name has been most popular in states such as California, Texas, and Arkansas. While it shares roots with the more common Eileen, Aileen offers a slightly distinct spelling that has maintained a consistent presence over the decades. Its meaning, 'bright, shining light,' connects it to a rich Irish heritage, making it a recognizable yet uncommon choice.
Aileen is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Eibhlín, which itself is a Gaelic form of the Norman French Aveline, ultimately from the Germanic root aval, meaning 'desired' or 'wished for'. The name has been used in Ireland and Scotland for centuries, often associated with the mythological figure Ailill. In the United States, Aileen saw a peak in popularity during the 1920s.
Where Aileen is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Aileen” around the world
Where Aileen lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Lena, Aili
Sibling names for Aileen
Names that share Aileen's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Aileen
Names whose popularity has moved with Aileen's over the last 50 years.
