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Ailen
Pronounced eye-LEN /aɪˈlɛn/High
Meaning: Glowing ember, hot coal; from Mapudungun, a popular Indigenous-rooted name in Argentina (often written Ailén or Aylen)Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Ailen — written Ailén or Aylen in Argentina — comes from Mapudungun, the Mapuche language of Patagonia, where it is glossed 'glowing ember' or 'hot coal'. It belongs to the wave of Indigenous names (with Mailen and Nahuel) that Argentine families embraced from the late twentieth century as proud regional identity.
The name's soft international sound — landing near Eileen and Island — helped it spread far beyond Mapuche communities. In the U.S. it is rare, carried mainly by Argentine and Chilean families.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Ailen mean?
Ailen comes from Mapudungun and is glossed 'glowing ember' or 'hot coal'.
How do you pronounce Ailen?
It's said eye-LEN /aɪˈlɛn/ — two syllables, stress on the second.
Is Ailen a boy or girl name?
Ailen is a girl's name.
How popular is Ailen?
Ailen is rare in the U.S. and a familiar modern choice in Argentina.