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Comments and insights on the name Ailsa

Ailsa and Alisa are anagrams of each other; both contain the same letters.

Just to say I AM an Ailsa. I was born in 1953, I have a younger sister named Alison, and have often berated my mother for calling us such similar names. (To this day, some people in our village call me Alison). This is Scottish Gaelic name, from the little uninhabited island off Mull, Ailsa Craig (Ailsa Rock), and my mother - who is Welsh with no Scottish ancestry or history, must have had second-sight when she named me, as I went on to marry a Glaswegian called Gray so my married name (Ailsa Gray) sounds uncannily like the island.

I like my name, but it is annoying to have to spell it for people a lot of the time. I usually get called Alisa or Elsa. It is dateless, and you can't tell my age from it, it is suitable for a baby and also an old lady, and while it is not common, it is well-established (in the UK at least). I like it that if someone calls out "Ailsa", I know it is me they are talking to!

Personal experiences with the name Ailsa

My eldest daughter's name is Catherine Ailsa. We have always called her Ailsa, and so has everyone else. She is definitely unique. She is creative and funny, imaginative and intelligent. Ailsa has a very strong interest in other children and forms attachments quickly. She loves being part of a group, though she can entertain herself for hours.

Nicknames for Ailsa

It can't really be shortened, although my sister sometimes just calls me "Ails". I think one of the reasons my mother chose it was because it cannot easily be shortened.
Aslia

Meanings and history of the name Ailsa

Scottish name, taken from the name of a Scottish island (Ailsa Craig.)

From Ailsa Craig, the name of an island off the west coast of Scotland, which is of uncertain derivation.

Famous real-life people named Ailsa

Ailsa Mellon Bruce (1901-1969), American socialite and philanthropist.
Ailsa McCaughrean, daughter of author Geraldine McCaughrean

Ailsa in song, story & screen

Ailsa, the main character in "A Pack of Lies" by Geraldine McCaughrean