Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Isla

Isla is a Scottish name. Yes, we know “isla” is the Spanish word for ‘island’ but in reality the beautiful name Isla comes to us from the Scots. And it’s pronounced “eye-la”. This is mainly a 20th century coinage derived from the Scottish island Islay in the Hebrides (also known as the Queen of the Hebrides), although there is also a River Isla in Perthshire, central Scotland. In its Gaelic version, the island Islay is rendered Ile (the “s” may have been added to anglicize it more toward ‘island’). Perhaps the original name originated from the Gaelic “aileach” meaning ‘rocky place’. There is also a lovely legend about a Danish princess named Iula who left Denmark with an apron full of stones. When the rocks fell from her apron, they created Ireland and many of the islands between Ireland and Scotland. Isla is an extremely popular name among English-speaking countries outside of the United States. It continues to enjoy a Top 10 ranking in Scotland herself, but it is also very popular in England, Wales, Canada, Australia, Northern Ireland and New Zealand. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2062/6549/files/Isla-name-print-classic-g02-light-pink-v10.jpg?36941

All About the Baby Name – Isla

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME ISLA

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME ISLA

Apparently America just got the memo. Isla has been a name of choice among all of our fellow English-speaking nations, but she just managed to climb onto the U.S. naming charts in 2008. Well, that’s not entirely true. Isla did debut on the charts briefly in the late 1800s and early 1900s – but then she wouldn’t rear her lovely face for another 100 years later. This long-neglected name has been brought back to the American consciousness thanks in part to Isla Fisher, an Australian actress who won our hearts in “Wedding Crashers” (2005). Isla has an understated beauty. It’s simple, it’s unpretentious, it’s friendly, and it’s downright Scottish. The name has made some impressive movements on the popularity charts in the United States for the few brief years it’s been on there, but Isla is definitely not in the trendy or overused category, and we hope she remains that way. Her simplicity is just too precious to be shared by the masses.

Quick Facts

ON ISLA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Scottish

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

167

PRONUNCIATION:

EYE-la

SIMPLE MEANING:

Rocky place

Characteristics

OF ISLA

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Isla

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ISLA

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ISLA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Isla


Popular Songs

ON ISLA

La Isla Bonita
a song by Madonna

Famous People

NAMED ISLA

Isla Fisher (Australian actress)
Isla St Clair (Scottish actress and singer)
Isla Blair (Scottish actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ISLA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Isla

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ISLA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Isla