Find out how popular the first name Isla has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Isla by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Isla is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Isla being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5,357 female babies and 6 male babies born with the name Isla.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 6 baby boys were named Isla in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Isla

The name Isla is a feminine given name of Spanish origin, derived from the Spanish word "isla" meaning "island." It is believed to have its roots in the Latin word "insula," which also translates to "island."

The name Isla gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the late 20th century, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. Its rise in popularity coincided with the increasing trend of naming children after geographical features or places.

Historically, the name Isla has been used in various Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in Spain and Latin America. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Isla can be found in the "Libro de los linajes de España" (Book of Lineages of Spain), a medieval genealogical text from the 13th century, which mentions several individuals with the name.

In the realm of literature, the name Isla appears in the famous Spanish novel "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, published in the early 17th century. The character Isla is mentioned as a resident of a village encountered by the protagonist.

Notable historical figures who bore the name Isla include Isla Belyaeva (1917-1999), a Russian writer and educator known for her works on children's literature. Another prominent individual was Isla Caton (1889-1976), an American artist and illustrator who was part of the Arts and Crafts movement.

Isla Mackintosh (1888-1953) was a Scottish politician and feminist activist who played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century. Isla Cameron (1925-2021) was a renowned Scottish actress and singer who had a prolific career in theater, television, and film.

Isla Binnie (1892-1963) was a pioneering Australian aviator who became the first woman to fly solo across the Australian mainland in 1932, paving the way for female pilots in the country.

While the name Isla has been present throughout history, its usage as a given name has experienced a surge in popularity in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries, where it is often chosen for its unique and refreshing sound, as well as its connection to the natural world and a sense of adventure and exploration.

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 Isla was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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