Declining since 2008, #6,325 for girls today.
Popularity of Ailene since 1900
Babies named Ailene per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 56 |
| 1910s | 225 |
| 1920s | 448 |
| 1930s | 304 |
| 1940s | 169 |
| 1950s | 136 |
| 1960s | 116 |
| 1970s | 66 |
| 1980s | 56 |
| 1990s | 118 |
| 2000s | 271 |
| 2010s | 169 |
| 2020s | 63 |
Meaning & origin
Ailene is a variant spelling of the classic Irish name Eileen, which gained popularity in the United States during the early 20th century. The name peaked in 1926 at rank 4,331, but has since declined, particularly after 2008, falling to rank 6,325 by 2025. It remains a rare but familiar choice, with the highest usage historically in California and Texas. While its popularity has waned, Ailene retains a vintage charm that may appeal to parents seeking an alternative to the more common Eileen or Aileen.
Ailene is a variant spelling of Eileen, which is an anglicization of the Irish name Eibhlín. Eibhlín is the Irish form of Helen, from the Greek Helene, meaning 'light' or 'torch'. The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, with various spellings such as Aileen and Eileen becoming popular.
Where Ailene is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lena, Leni
Sibling names for Ailene
Names that share Ailene's style, for a brother or sister.
