Eileen Name Meaning | Origin, History & Popularity

Eileen is a name that has a long history and has been popular across various cultures. In this article, we will explore the meaning of the name Eileen, its popularity, history, cultural significance, and some famous people who share the name.

Eileen Name Meaning

Eileen is a girl’s name of Gaelic origin. It is a variant of the name Eibhlin or Aibhilin, which is the Gaelic form of the name Evelyn. The name Eileen means “light,” “bright,” or “shining” in Gaelic. It is a popular name in Ireland, and it has been used as a given name since the 19th century.

Popularity

Eileen was a popular name in the United States during the early 20th century, reaching its peak in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1924, Eileen was the 20th most popular name for baby girls in the United States. The name remained in the top 100 names for girls until the 1960s. In recent years, the popularity of the name Eileen has declined. According to the Social Security Administration, Eileen was the 988th most popular name for baby girls in 2020.

History

The name Eileen has a long and rich history. It is a name of Gaelic origin, and it has been used in Ireland since the 19th century. The name became popular in the United States in the early 20th century, particularly among Irish immigrants and their descendants. The name Eileen was often chosen as a way of honoring their Irish heritage.

In literature, Eileen is the name of the main character in the novel “Eileen” by Ottessa Moshfegh. The novel was a critical success and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2016. Eileen is also the name of a character in J.D. Salinger’s novel “The Catcher in the Rye.”

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Cultural Significance

The name Eileen has cultural significance in Ireland, where it is a popular name. In Irish culture, the name is associated with the Catholic Church and Saint Eileen. Saint Eileen was an Irish saint who is said to have been a nun and a teacher. She is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church and is known as the patron saint of music.

The name Eileen is also associated with Irish culture and traditions. It is a common name in Irish folklore and has been used in many Irish songs and poems. In some Irish legends, Eileen is the name of a fairy queen who is said to have magical powers.

Famous People with the Name Eileen

There are many famous people who share the name Eileen. Here are some of the most notable:

  • Eileen Atkins: a British actress known for her work in film, television, and theater.
  • Eileen Brennan: an American actress known for her roles in films like “Private Benjamin” and “The Last Picture Show.”
  • Eileen Davidson: an American actress known for her roles in soap operas like “Days of Our Lives” and “The Young and the Restless.”
  • Eileen Fisher: an American fashion designer and founder of the clothing brand Eileen Fisher.
  • Eileen Heckart: an American actress known for her roles in films like “The Bad Seed” and “Butterflies Are Free.”
  • Eileen Ryan: an American actress known for her work in film and television.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Eileen is a name of Gaelic origin that means “light,” “bright,” or “shining.” It was a popular name in the early 20th century, particularly among Irish immigrants and their descendants.

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