Declining since 2004.
Popularity of Ailsa since 1918
Babies named Ailsa per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2003, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ailsa's real moment was 2010.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 21 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 80 |
| 1980s | 45 |
| 1990s | 112 |
| 2000s | 123 |
| 2010s | 121 |
| 2020s | 25 |
Meaning & origin
Ailsa is a distinctly Scottish name with a gentle, lyrical sound. Its earliest recorded use in the United States dates to 1918, though it has never entered the top 1000. The name reached its peak popularity in 2010, likely influenced by a character on the British soap opera 'EastEnders' (though that connection is not confirmed in this reference). Since 2004, its trajectory has been falling, reflecting a drift away from more traditional Scottish names in American naming trends. Ailsa remains a rare choice, offering a melodic alternative to better-known names like Isla or Elsie, and carries a strong sense of Scottish heritage.
Ailsa is a Scottish name of debated origin. It may be taken from Ailsa Craig, a rocky island in the Firth of Clyde, whose name may derive from Old Norse or Gaelic elements. Alternatively, it may be a variant of Elsie, itself a diminutive of Elizabeth, ultimately from Hebrew Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath'. The name has been used in Scotland since the 19th century and gained some popularity in the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ailie, Lee, Lily
Sibling names for Ailsa
Names that share Ailsa's style, for a brother or sister.
