Eilis
A girl's name of Irish origin with 254 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
At 5 letters and two syllables, Eilis hits the middle ground most parents look for: long enough to feel complete, short enough for everyday use. It has been used as a girl's name in the U.S. since 1990, with 254 total recorded births.
Eilis is not in the current top 1,000, which means your child is unlikely to share the name with a classmate — a plus for parents who value distinctiveness.
Eilis is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Eilis is a girl's baby name of Irish origin, the Irish form of Elizabeth, meaning 'my God is abundance' or 'my God is an oath,' from the Hebrew Elisheba. Eilis (pronounced AY-lish) is one of the most authentically Gaelic feminine names still in common use in Ireland, given renewed international attention through Colm Tóibín's novel Brooklyn and its 2015 film adaptation.
Eilis carries the full weight of Irish-Catholic heritage — an Elizabeth that has remained in its Gaelic form, uncompromised by anglicization, and all the more beautiful for it.
EtymologyShow more
The ending of a name often carries more etymological information than the beginning. Eilis's final sounds are sharp, distinct — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. In English-language naming, many feminine names end on open vowels or soft consonants, creating a melodic, approachable quality. Eilis breaks from that pattern, giving it a more distinctive edge.
Explore the ending-based name pages on this site to find names that share Eilis's suffix pattern — names with similar endings often share a style and era, even when they come from different linguistic backgrounds.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Eilis has 28+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1990.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 32 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 86 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 75 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 61 | — |
The Story of Eilis
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2018, Eilis is a fresh, modern favorite. Girls named Eilis are most likely born between 2008 and 2023.
How rare is Eilis?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Eilis is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1990, peaked in the 2010s with 86 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Eilis by the numbers
- Would fill 5 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(28 years, 1990–2023)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | #15826 |
| 2022 | 9 | #10600 |
| 2021 | 7 | #12546 |
| 2020 | 11 | #9109 |
| 2019 | 13 | #8248 |
| 2018 | 20 | #6090 |
| 2017 | 19 | #6351 |
| 2016 | 14 | #8117 |
| 2015 | 6 | #15020 |
| 2011 | 6 | #15382 |
| 2010 | 8 | #12628 |
| 2009 | 8 | #12780 |
| 2008 | 6 | #15974 |
| 2007 | 9 | #11909 |
| 2006 | 10 | #10818 |
| 2005 | 7 | #13407 |
| 2004 | 5 | #16876 |
| 2003 | 5 | #16499 |
| 2002 | 10 | #9702 |
| 2001 | 10 | #9587 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eilis a boy's or girl's name?
When was Eilis most popular?
How popular is the name Eilis?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1990–2023