Find out how popular the first name Leileen has been for the last 4 years (from 2007 to 2010) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Leileen by gender

Based on the last 4 years of data, Leileen is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2010, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Leileen.

The history of the first name Leileen

The name Leileen originated from the Gaelic language, spoken by the Celtic people of Ireland and Scotland. It first appeared during the medieval period, around the 12th century. The name is derived from the Irish Gaelic word 'léan', which means 'meadow' or 'pasture', suggesting a connection to nature and the beauty of the countryside.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Leileen can be found in the Annals of the Four Masters, a chronicle of medieval Irish history. The name was borne by Leileen Ní Dhomhnaill, who lived in the 15th century and was a member of the influential Ó Domhnaill (O'Donnell) clan of Ulster.

In the 16th century, Leileen Dubh Ní Chonchobhair, a renowned Irish noblewoman, played a significant role in the Gaelic resistance against the English conquest of Ireland. She was the wife of Ruaidhrí Ó Domhnaill, the King of Tír Chonaill (modern-day County Donegal), and actively supported her husband's efforts to protect their lands and people.

Another notable figure with the name Leileen was Leileen Ní Dhochartaigh, born in 1665, who was a celebrated Irish poet and chronicler. Her works provided valuable insights into the cultural and political landscape of 17th-century Ireland.

In the 18th century, Leileen Ní Chríocháin (1700-1782) gained recognition as a skilled herbalist and healer in County Mayo, Ireland. Her knowledge of traditional Irish medicine and her compassion for the local community earned her great respect.

Outside of Ireland, the name Leileen also appeared in Scottish Gaelic culture. One notable figure was Leileen MacLeòid (1820-1892), a Scottish noblewoman from the Isle of Skye, who was known for her philanthropic work and her efforts to preserve Scottish Gaelic language and traditions.

While the name Leileen has its roots in the Gaelic languages, it has also been adopted and adapted in various forms across different cultures and regions, reflecting the rich diversity of names and their histories.

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

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

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