Aylissa is a unique and charming name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name Aileas, which is a variant of the name Ælfgyfu. Ælfgyfu is an Old English name that was given to women who were named after Saint Ælfgyfu, also known as Ælfgifu or Elgiva.
The name Ælfgyfu means "elf-war" in Old English, which comes from the elements ælf, meaning "elf," and gyfu, meaning "gift." Therefore, Aylissa can be interpreted to mean "elf gift."
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Aylissa or its variants. One of the most famous is Ælfgifu, who was a queen consort of England in the 10th century. She was married to King Edgar the Peaceful and bore him several children, including Edward the Martyr and Æthelred the Unready.
Another notable figure is Ailisa, also spelled Aylissa, who was a princess of the Georgian Bagrationi dynasty in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. She was the daughter of King George XII and had several children, including future King George XIII.
In literature and popular culture, the name Aylissa has been used for various characters, such as Aylissa Blackwood in "The Blackwoods" series by Kimberly Frost, and Aylissa "Ayla" Fox in "The Selection" series by Kiera Cass. These uses further illustrate the uniqueness and charm of this name.
In conclusion, Aylissa is a beautiful and distinctive Scottish name with a rich history dating back to Old English times. Its meaning, "elf gift," adds to its enchanting appeal, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a special name for their child.
The name Aylissa has seen a varied degree of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 288 births recorded between 1990 and 2014.
In the early 1990s, there was an average of around 7-11 births per year for the name Aylissa. However, it gained more popularity in the late 1990s with a peak of 17 births recorded in 1997 and remaining high with 16 births in 1999.
The early 2000s showed some fluctuation but maintained a steady popularity with numbers ranging from 9 to 20 births per year. However, it seems like there was a slight decline in the mid-2000s as the number of births dropped back down to around 9 per year between 2005 and 2006.
The name Aylissa experienced a resurgence from 2007 onwards with numbers ranging from 12 to 20 births per year. Despite a slight dip in popularity in recent years (with only 5 births recorded in 2012), the overall trend shows that this name has maintained a consistent level of popularity over the past two decades.
While it may not have reached the heights of some more popular names, Aylissa has consistently been a recognizable and loved choice among parents in the United States.