Eileen

Eileen is a feminine given name used in English-speaking countries. It has Irish origins, derived from Éibhlin, an Irish form of Elizabeth, and came into English through phonetic spellings. Variants include Aileen, Eilín (Irish), and Éibhlin, reflecting its Gaelic roots.

For meaning, Eileen shares Elizabeth's meaning: "God is my oath" or "pledge of God." The pronunciation typically is EYE-lean or EYE-leen in US usage; in Ireland and the UK, some speakers pronounce it differently. The name enjoyed particular popularity in the United States and the United Kingdom during the mid-20th century but declined toward the end of the century.

Notable people named Eileen include Eileen Collins, an American astronaut and former Space Shuttle pilot; Eileen Atkins, a British actress and writer; Eileen Farrell, an American operatic soprano; Eileen Wuornos, an American convicted murderer; and Eileen Chang, a Chinese-born author who published in English as Eileen Chang.

Beyond people, the name has appeared in literature and media. It remains in occasional use in contemporary naming and is sometimes seen as a classic or vintage choice.