Origin and Meaning of Eileene

Shining light

Origin: Irish - Eileene is a variant of the name Eileen, which is derived from the Irish name Eibhlín. Eibhlín itself comes from the Old French name Aveline, relating to the hazelnut tree, but it has also been interpreted to mean ‘shining light’ in some contexts.

• Eileene and its variants are popular particularly in English-speaking countries, reflecting an Anglicized version of the traditional Irish names.
• The name Eileen, from which Eileene is derived, became especially popular in the mid-20th century, showing a cultural influence across several generations.
• Notable bearers of the name include Eileen Gray, an influential Irish architect and furniture designer known for her pioneering work in modern design.
• Eileen has been a consistently popular name in the United States, often ranking in the top 200 names during the 1920s to the 1950s.
• Variations of Eileene include Eileen, Aileen, and Eilidh, each with its unique cultural and linguistic ties.