Given name
Ileen
“the light-bearer; from the green meadow”
Ileen is a variant of Ilena. In English use, Ilena carries the interpretation “the light-bearer; from the green meadow.”
Meaning & origin
What it means
Ileen is a variant of Ilena. In English use, Ilena carries the interpretation “the light-bearer; from the green meadow.”
Explained through its name family
The story
Published U.S. birth records include this spelling as early as 1895. This is the earliest published observation available here, rather than a date for the name’s origin.
From dated birth records
Ileen through the years
- Babies since 1880
- 2,152
- 0 boys · 2,152 girls
- Most popular year
- 1924
- 51 babies
- 2025
- 0
- Outside the ranked list
- 2021–25 vs 2016–20
- −22%
- Easing
By the numbers
The most recent published U.S. birth count for girls is 6 in 2024. Later missing counts do not mean the name went unused. Published U.S. population figures for this spelling include 1,292 as a first name in 2020.
From Social Security birth records and U.S. Census name counts for this exact spelling. Other spellings are counted separately.
The ring: nicknames and forms.
Nicknames & forms 2
Diminutives, pet forms, short forms and variants used alongside the name.
Similar names
If you love Ileen, these share its style, era, origin or sound, from outside its own family.
Ailene
“light-bearer” · “from the green meadow”
>99% girls
Antonette
Antonette is a variant of Antonia. In Latin use, Antonia carries the interpretation “priceless and highly praiseworthy; a flourishing flower.”
>99% girls
Antoinette
“a flourishing man; from an ancient Roman family”
>99% girls
Rozella
“of the rose garden” · “horse”
>99% girls
Iva
“of the yew tree”
>99% girls
Lilla
Lilla is a variant of Lily. One English interpretation is “resembling the flower; one who is innocent and beautiful.”
>99% girls
Lorene
“crowned with laurel; from the laurel tree”
>99% girls
Rosina
“horse” · “fame”
>99% girls