Contribute your knowledge to the name Eileen

Comments and insights on the name Eileen: | Edit

I was always told that the name Eileen means "light." It's my name, and I love it!

Personal experiences with the name Eileen: | Edit

I come from an Irish family, and some of my second- and third-cousins are named Eileen. I always assumed it was Irish; I'm surprised to see this site attribute English/French heritage to it.

My mother's middle name is Eileen and I've always thought it was a beautiful and feminine name. Ever since I was a little girl, I've wanted to give my daughter this name.

Nicknames for Eileen: | Edit

Lena, Eily, Ei, Leeny, Leen

Meanings and history of the name Eileen: | Edit

As the lady says above, it does mean 'light', It is Irish Gaelic for Helen, Helene, Elaine etc - all meaning 'light'

Famous real-life people named Eileen: | Edit

Eileen Collins, astronaut and first female pilot and first female commander of a Space Shuttle.
Eileen Ford, "Matriarch of the Modeling Industry", founder of Ford Modeling Agency
Eileen Snape (nee Prince), Severus Snape's mother in the "Harry Potter" series.

Eileen in song, story & screen: | Edit

"Come On, Eileen", song by Dexy's Midnight Runners