Eilene is a unique and distinctive given name of Greek origin, meaning "torch" or "shining light". It is a variation of the Greek name Aelene, which was popular among early Christians as it was used to honor the Virgin Mary, who is often referred to as the "Light-bearer". The name Eilene is typically pronounced /ˈaɪliːn/ with emphasis on the first syllable. It has been quite rare in English-speaking countries but has seen some popularity in recent years, particularly among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their daughters. Some famous individuals named Eilene include American actress Eilene Hayles, known for her role in the television series "The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd".
The name Eilene had a prominent start with 21 or more births every year from 1915 to 1948. The peak was reached in 1946 with 54 births, but it declined significantly afterwards, dropping below 30 annually by the late 1950s. Since then, Eilene has been quite rare, with fewer than 10 births per year on average. The most recent data shows a slight increase from previous years, with 9 births in 2022.