Eileen
GirlIrish
Eileen is a girl name of Irish origin meaning "bright, shining light".
About this name
Gender
Girl
Language
Irish
Religion
None
Popularity
19 / 100
Syllables
2
Length
6 letters
Meaning
bright, shining light
Etymology
Derived from Greek Helene ('torch, bright') via the Irish form Éilín, Anglicized as Eileen.
Famous People Named Eileen
- Eileen Heckart — American actress (1919–2001)
- Eileen Brennan — American actress and singer (1932–2013)
- Eileen Ryan — American actress (1927–2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Eileen
What does the name Eileen mean?
Eileen means "bright, shining light", and is of Irish origin.
What is the origin of the name Eileen?
Eileen originates from Irish, commonly used in Europe.
Is Eileen a boy or girl name?
Eileen is typically used as a girl name.
What religion is the name Eileen associated with?
Eileen is associated with None.
Are there famous people named Eileen?
Yes — notable people named Eileen include Eileen Heckart (American actress, 1919–2001), Eileen Brennan (American actress and singer, 1932–2013) and Eileen Ryan (American actress, 1927–2022).
Last updated: June 2026