Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Paisley originates from Scottish roots, specifically from the name of a town in Scotland. It conveys the meaning of 'church' or 'place of worship'. The name has evolved through various forms in the English language. It gained popularity in the 19th century and is currently seen as a fashionable and creative choice for a name. There is no biblical relevance associated with it.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈpeɪzli/
Origin
Scottish
Etymology
The name Paisley is derived from the town of Paisley in Scotland, which itself comes from the Old Welsh word 'pais', meaning 'church' or 'place of worship'.
Meaning
church; place of worship
Language Evolution
Paisley (modern English), Paisley (Middle English), Paisley (Old English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in Scotland, due to the association with the town and its textile industry.
Variants & Derivatives
Pazley, Payzley, Paizley
Modern Popularity & Image
Paisley is perceived as a trendy and modern name, often associated with creativity and uniqueness, partly due to its connection to the decorative paisley pattern.
Famous People
Paisley Adams, Paisley K. Nelson
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 5,089 peak births in 2015
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Idaho
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (8 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 8 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 20187th of 24088 | 11 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 10247th of 23106 | 71 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 7368th of 19264 | 89 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2759th of 27321 | 640 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 503rd of 35406 | 9,407 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 49th of 30306 | 51,681 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
88.39% 3257th/3685 |
- |
49.56% 2574th/5194 |
39.75% 2511th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
11.74% 538th/4582 |
24.11% 1245th/5164 |
5.40% 395th/7313 |
6.75% 504th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
1.03% 41st/3984 |
2.59% 116th/4487 |
0.56% 38th/6822 |
1.27% 80th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Idaho across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been consistently rising. From 2020-2022, usage has been too rising for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 20187th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 10247th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7368th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2759th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 503rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 49th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.