A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ilene since 1891
Babies named Ilene per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1950, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ilene's real moment was 1938.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 41 |
| 1900s | 161 |
| 1910s | 1,065 |
| 1920s | 2,606 |
| 1930s | 2,585 |
| 1940s | 3,202 |
| 1950s | 3,432 |
| 1960s | 1,867 |
| 1970s | 718 |
| 1980s | 622 |
| 1990s | 508 |
| 2000s | 607 |
| 2010s | 315 |
| 2020s | 111 |
Meaning & origin
Ilene, a spelling variant of Eileen, is a classic Irish name that enjoyed its peak popularity in the United States during the 1930s, reaching its highest rank of 611 in 1938. After decades of decline, it has been rising again since 2020, reflecting a broader revival of vintage names. In the most recent data (2025), Ilene is given to about 1 in every 84,593 girls, placing it at rank 6,116. The name is most commonly found in California. Its etymology ties back to the Norman French Aveline, connecting it to the medieval name Avis. Ilene remains a quiet but enduring choice for families seeking a name with Irish heritage and mid-century charm.
Ilene is a spelling variant of Eileen, which is an anglicization of the Irish name Eibhlín. Eibhlín derives from the Old Irish name Aíbhlín, ultimately from the Norman French Aveline, a diminutive of Avis, meaning 'desired' or 'radiant'. The name entered Irish usage through the Norman conquest of Ireland in the 12th century. Ilene became especially popular in the United States in the early to mid-20th century.
Where Ilene is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ile, Lena, Leni
Sibling names for Ilene
Names that share Ilene's style, for a brother or sister.
