Eileen is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic name "Oileán," which means "island." The name has been used in Ireland for centuries, and it was brought to other parts of the world by Irish immigrants.
The name Eileen became popular outside of Ireland during the Victorian era, when many people were interested in Celtic culture. It was often used as a pet form of the name Eleanor, which also means "island" but has a different etymology.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Eileen. One of the most famous is Eileen Gray, an Irish-born architect and designer who was known for her innovative use of materials and her contributions to the Modernist movement. Another notable figure is Eileen Colgan, an Irish actress who was known for her roles in films such as "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" and "Intermission."
Today, Eileen remains a popular name in Ireland and other parts of the world where Irish culture has had a significant influence. It is often associated with Irish heritage and cultural traditions. While it may not be as commonly used as some other Irish names, such as Brendan or Siobhan, it is still considered to be a beautiful and meaningful name that honors Irish history and culture.
These statistics show a significant increase in the number of girls named Eileen over time. Starting with only 6 births in 1882, the name's popularity grew steadily, peaking at 475 births in 2022 after a total of 188,659 Eileens were born between 1882 and 2023. However, there was a notable decline in recent years, with numbers dropping below 400 births per year since 2020. This could indicate a shift in naming trends or a natural fluctuation in the popularity of the name Eileen.