MallowbyNames

Ailin

AY-lin · Of debated origin; may mean 'bright' or 'beautiful' in Irish, or be a variant of Eileen.

2025 rank (girls)
#3,712
Babies named in 2025
40
Peak popularity
2012
2025 frequency
1 in 40,182 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2011

Declining since 2011, #3,712 for girls today.

Popularity of Ailin since 1990

Babies named Ailin per year in U.S. Social Security records.

2856841990200020102020Most births 2012Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1990s85
2000s420
2010s497
2020s176

Meaning & origin

Ailin is a rare but enduring name in the United States, first recorded in 1990. Its peak popularity came in 2012, and it has been gradually declining since 2011. In 2025, it ranked 3,712 with a 1-in-40,182 incidence, making it a distinctive choice. Top states for the name include Illinois and California. Ailin likely traces back to Irish origins, either as a variant of Aileen (from the Norman French Aveline, 'hazelnut') or from the Irish word for 'bright' or 'beautiful' (ailin). Its spelling gives it a modern feel while maintaining a traditional sound. Parents drawn to Irish heritage but seeking a less common alternative to Aileen or Eileen may find Ailin appealing.

Ailin primarily derives from the Irish name Aibhilín, a variant of Eibhlín (Eileen), which itself comes from the Norman French Aveline, ultimately from Latin Avellana (hazelnut). Alternatively, it may connect to the Irish word ailin meaning 'little bright one' or 'beautiful'. In modern usage, it is often treated as a variant spelling of Aileen.

Where Ailin is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ail, Linn

Variants: Aileen, Eileen, Aylin, Eilin

Sibling names for Ailin

Names that share Ailin's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Brianna, Keira, Maeve, Niamh, Siobhan

Brothers: Declan, Finn, Liam, Ronan, Sean

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

A is for Ailin, our favorite little girl.

A is for Ailin…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Ailin's letter becomes Ailin's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Ailin's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Ailin mean?
The meaning is debated. It may mean 'bright' or 'beautiful' in Irish, or be related to the name Eileen, which derives from the Latin for 'hazelnut'.
How popular is Ailin?
Ailin is uncommon. As of 2025, it ranked 3,712 in the United States, with 1 in every 40,182 girls given the name that year.
Is Ailin a boy or girl name?
Ailin is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.