Girl · 64th of 30,306
Isla
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
52,229
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2021
Peak Popularity Year
5,540
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Isla stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Isla is of Scottish origin, meaning 'island,' derived from the name of Islay, a beautiful island in Scotland. The name has evolved from Islay in Scottish Gaelic to Isla in modern English. It has gained popularity in recent decades, reflecting a contemporary preference for nature-inspired names. It has no biblical significance. Isla is seen as a stylish and graceful name, associated with notable figures such as Isla Fisher and Isla St. Clair.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈaɪ.lə/
Origin
Scottish
Etymology
The name Isla is derived from the name of an island in Scotland called Islay, which is known for its beautiful landscapes and whisky production.
Meaning
Island
Language Evolution
Isla (modern English), Islay (Scottish Gaelic)
Historical Usage
Isla gained popularity as a given name in the late 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a result of its association with nature and beauty.
Variants & Derivatives
Islay, Islena
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Isla is perceived as a trendy and elegant name, often associated with nature and a serene lifestyle.
Famous People
Isla Fisher, an Australian actress and author., Isla St. Clair, a Scottish singer and television presenter.
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Consistently Rising
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 5,540 peak births in 2021
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 6 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 8 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 18910th of 23106 | 12 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1394th of 9107 | 561 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2098th of 9204 | 298 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 5919th of 12526 | 78 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 11640th of 19264 | 31 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8234th of 27321 | 133 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 748th of 35406 | 5,683 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 64th of 30306 | 45,323 |