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Eileen

Girl name · 509 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Eileen: 509 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 65 births in 1974.

Eileen is the Anglicized form of the Irish Eibhlín, itself a Gaelic adaptation of the Norman French name Aveline, though most commonly traced to the Greek Helene, meaning "light" or "torch." This bright, melodic name has been borne by Eileen Collins, the first woman to command a Space Shuttle mission, and actress Eileen Brennan, known for her role in *Private Benjamin*. The name shares its root with Helen, which gave us places like St. Helena, but Eileen itself has no direct place associations. A familiar variant is Aileen, equally popular in Scotland, while the name enjoyed particular favour in Irish and Scottish communities throughout the 20th century, often evoking a sense of lyrical tradition.