Find out how popular the first name Irelyn has been for the last 29 years (from 1996 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Irelyn by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Irelyn is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 45 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Irelyn.

The history of the first name Irelyn

The given name Irelyn is a relatively modern invention, likely derived from the combination of the Irish name Erin and the English name Helen. Its origins can be traced back to the late 20th century, with the earliest recorded use appearing in the United States.

While the name Erin has its roots in the Gaelic term "Éirinn," meaning "Ireland," and has been a popular name for Irish girls for centuries, the addition of the suffix "-lyn" is a more recent development. This suffix is commonly found in English names such as Marilyn, Carolyn, and Evelyn, and is thought to have been introduced to create a more feminine and melodic sound.

There are no known historical references or mentions of the name Irelyn in ancient texts, religious scriptures, or historical records prior to the late 20th century. However, its components, Erin and Helen, have a rich history and cultural significance.

Erin, as mentioned earlier, is deeply connected to Irish heritage and has been a popular name for Irish girls throughout history. Helen, on the other hand, has its origins in Greek mythology, being the name of the famously beautiful woman whose abduction by Paris sparked the Trojan War.

While the name Irelyn is relatively new, there are a few notable individuals who have carried this name throughout history:

1. Irelyn Sheehan (born 1986) - An American professional soccer player who played as a midfielder for several teams in the National Women's Soccer League.

2. Irelyn Rose (born 1989) - An American singer-songwriter and actress, best known for her role in the Broadway musical "Wicked."

3. Irelyn Malloy (born 1995) - A Canadian actress and model, recognized for her work in various television shows and films.

4. Irelyn Gomez (born 2001) - A Spanish-American child prodigy and author, who published her first book at the age of 8.

5. Irelyn Winters (born 1977) - An American entrepreneur and philanthropist, known for her work in promoting women's empowerment and education.

While the name Irelyn is relatively new, its unique blend of Irish and English influences has contributed to its growing popularity in recent years, particularly in the United States and other English-speaking countries.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Irelyn was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Irelyn, please contact us.

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