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.
The name Eileen has had a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 188,659 births recorded between 1882 and 2023.
From 1882 to 1904, there were fewer than 124 births per year on average. However, starting from 1904, the number of births began to increase significantly, reaching a peak of 2,346 births in 1919.
This trend continued until 1927, with an average of over 2,900 births per year. But then there was a decline in popularity, dropping below 2,000 births per year from 1930 onwards.
The name Eileen experienced a brief resurgence during World War II, with a peak of 4,092 births in 1943. However, this boost did not last long, and the number of births declined again afterwards.
Throughout most of the second half of the 20th century, there were fewer than 500 births per year on average. The name Eileen reached a low point with only 321 births in 2010.
However, in recent years, there has been renewed interest in the name Eileen, with over 400 births recorded each year since 2017. In 2022, there were 475 births, indicating a possible trend towards increased popularity once again.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Eileen has waxed and waned over time, it remains a name with historical significance in the United States, having been given to tens of thousands of babies over more than a century.