Find out how popular the first name Paisley has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Paisley by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Paisley is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Paisley being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 3,727 female babies and 5 male babies born with the name Paisley.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby boys were named Paisley in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Paisley

The name Paisley originated in the town of Paisley, located in Renfrewshire, Scotland. The town's name is derived from the Brittonic Celtic words "bas" meaning "outer" and "leah" meaning "clearing or meadow". The combination of these words formed "Basleah" or "Passeleth", which eventually evolved into the modern spelling of Paisley.

The earliest recorded use of the name Paisley dates back to the 16th century when it was primarily used as a surname for people hailing from the town of Paisley. The town itself gained fame for its thriving textile industry, particularly in the production of the iconic Paisley shawls and patterned fabrics.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Paisley was Walter Paisley (1580-1660), a Scottish churchman who served as the Minister of St. Andrews and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. He played a significant role in the religious and political affairs of Scotland during the turbulent times of the Reformation.

In the 18th century, Mary Paisley (1740-1809) was a renowned Scottish poet and author, known for her works such as "The Renewal of the Soul" and "The Immutable Decrees of God". Her writings often explored themes of spirituality and personal growth.

During the Victorian era, the name Paisley gained popularity as a feminine given name, particularly in the United Kingdom and parts of North America. One notable bearer of the name was Paisley Park (1870-1952), an English suffragette and activist who fought for women's rights and played a pivotal role in the suffrage movement in Britain.

In the 20th century, the name Paisley continued to be used, albeit less frequently. One notable individual was Paisley Whiteside (1908-1995), an American actress and singer who appeared in numerous Broadway productions and films during the golden age of Hollywood.

Another famous Paisley was Paisley Trent (1924-2018), an American author and journalist who wrote extensively on cultural and social issues. Her works, such as "The Paisley Papers" and "Paisley's Perspective", offered insightful commentary on the changing societal landscape of the time.

Throughout history, the name Paisley has carried a unique blend of Scottish heritage and artistic flair, reflecting the town's legacy in textile production and cultural significance.

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

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

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