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Paisley

Girl name · 147 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Paisley: 147 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 22 births in 2020.

Paisley started life as a Scottish surname, taken from the town in Renfrewshire whose name likely derives from the Gaelic *paislig*, meaning “church” or “basilica”. In modern use it has become a stylish first name for girls, influenced by the distinctive paisley pattern fabric that was first woven in the town. Notable bearers include American singer Paisley Bentley and poet Paisley Rekdal. The town itself lends its name to the Paisley pattern, a teardrop motif with ancient Persian roots that became a global textile staple. A variant spelling, Paizley, occasionally appears, and the name saw a surge in Scottish popularity during the 2010s, blending heritage with contemporary flair.