Eilís

Eilís (also rendered as Eilís or Eilís) is a feminine given name of Irish origin, traditionally the Irish form of the English name Eilish, which in turn derives from the medieval name Elizabeth. The name ultimately traces back to the Hebrew אֱלִישֶׁבַע (Elisheva), meaning “my God is an oath” or “pledged to God.” In Irish orthography the name is written with an acute accent over the final “í,” indicating a long vowel sound, and is pronounced approximately as /ˈeːlʲiːʃ/.

The name has been used in Ireland for centuries, appearing in historical records, literature, and folklore. It is less common outside the Gaelic-speaking community, though its anglicised form Eilish gained broader recognition through contemporary popular culture, most notably through the Irish singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, whose stage name reflects the Irish spelling.

Notable bearers of the name include Eilís Ní Dhuibhir (c. 1700–1765), an Irish poet known for her Gaelic verses, and Eilís Sexton (born 1973), an Irish visual artist recognized for her interdisciplinary installations. In modern Ireland the name remains in use, though it ranks lower in popularity compared with other Irish female names such as Saoirse or Níamh.

Eilís exemplifies the preservation of Gaelic linguistic heritage within personal naming practices, reflecting both religious origins and the adaptation of names across languages and eras.