Declining since 2019, #8,362 for girls today.
Popularity of Eilidh since 1999
Babies named Eilidh per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 81 |
| 2010s | 108 |
| 2020s | 81 |
Meaning & origin
Eilidh is a distinctly Scottish Gaelic name with a luminous meaning: it derives from the Gaelic word for light or sunbeam. While it has ancient roots, its modern usage began in 1999, and it has seen a steady presence since then. In 2025, Eilidh ranked 8362, with one in every 133939 babies receiving the name. Its popularity peaked in 2019, and since that year it has been falling in use. Despite the decline, Eilidh remains a cherished choice in Scotland and among those with Scottish heritage, appreciated for its soft sound and cultural resonance. The name has not seen significant top-state concentration, reflecting its broader appeal across the Scottish diaspora.
Eilidh is a Scottish Gaelic name, traditionally considered a diminutive of Ealasaid, the Gaelic form of Elizabeth, though it is more directly associated with the Gaelic word 'eilid' meaning 'light' or 'sunbeam'. It has been used in Scotland since the 20th century and remains particularly popular in Scotland and among the Scottish diaspora.
“Eilidh” around the world
Where Eilidh lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ellie, Lidh
Sibling names for Eilidh
Names that share Eilidh's style, for a brother or sister.
