Ailish is a unique and beautiful Irish given name for girls that has gained popularity in recent years. The origin of the name Ailish can be traced back to the Irish language, where it is derived from the word "ailil" which means "claimant" or "noble". This name was traditionally used as a pet form of the name Áine, which means "radiance" or "shining light".
The name Ailish has a rich history in Ireland and has been associated with several notable figures throughout the centuries. One famous bearer of this name is Ailish Campbell, who was a Scottish aristocrat and the wife of Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll. She was known for her intelligence, charm, and beauty, and was considered one of the most influential women in Scotland during the 17th century.
Another notable figure with the name Ailish is Saint Ailbhe, who was an Irish saint from the early Middle Ages. She was known for her kindness and generosity towards the poor and needy, and was eventually canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
Today, the name Ailish continues to be popular among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their daughters. It is often associated with qualities such as nobility, radiance, and kindness, thanks to its historical significance and association with notable figures throughout history. Despite its Irish origins, the name Ailish has also gained popularity in other English-speaking countries around the world.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Ailish has seen a varied pattern of popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest record available is from 1991 with 6 births that year. This number more than doubled by 1997 with 20 births recorded.
The trend continued to increase until it peaked in 2016 with 38 births, which was the highest number of Ailish births recorded in a single year. However, since then, the popularity of the name has seemed to decrease. In 2022 and 2023, there were only 16 and 10 births respectively.
Over the entire period from 1991 to 2023, a total of 636 babies have been named Ailish in the United States. This shows that while it may not be one of the most popular names, it has maintained a consistent presence over several decades.