Declining since 2017, #10,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Ailish since 1991
Babies named Ailish per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 104 |
| 2000s | 233 |
| 2010s | 235 |
| 2020s | 83 |
Meaning & origin
Ailish is a distinctly Irish name that has seen modest use in the United States since first appearing on the Social Security list in 1991. Its highest popularity came in 2016, when it ranked 10,917 with about 1 in every 200,908 baby girls receiving the name. Since 2017, its trajectory has been falling, reflecting a broader trend away from once-favored Irish names. The name's dual possible derivations from Elizabeth and from an Irish word for 'light' give it both traditional and ethereal appeal, though no single origin is definitive. Ailish remains a rare choice, suitable for parents seeking a genuine Irish name with a soft, melodic sound.
Ailish is an Irish feminine given name, often considered a variant of Eilís, the Irish form of Elizabeth, which derives from the Hebrew Elisheva meaning 'God is my oath'. However, the spelling Ailish may also be influenced by the Irish word 'ailis' meaning 'light' or 'noble'. The name has been used in Ireland for centuries but gained wider recognition outside of Ireland only in the late 20th century.
“Ailish” around the world
Where Ailish lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
7
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ali, Lish
Sibling names for Ailish
Names that share Ailish's style, for a brother or sister.
