Home βΊ Baby Names Directory βΊ Islay
π Islay
β Girl
How to Pronounce Islay
Pronounced EYE-lah
π Hear it /ΛaΙͺ.lΙ/ Medium β§ copy
Meaning: From the Scottish island of Islay (in the Hebrides); etymology uncertain (possibly Norse/pre-Celtic) Low β§ copy
In 30 seconds: Island-bright and Scottish: Islay is the lovely Hebridean isle (said 'EYE-lah'). Misty, romantic, and distinctive.
π Browse more names
🍼
Essentials for baby
Baby care from Dr. Talbot’s
Bottles, diapering, bath and nasal care — 23 picks.
Dr. Talbot’s · affiliate link
Shop baby essentials
Meaning From the Scottish island of Islay (in the Hebrides); etymology uncertain (possibly Norse/pre-Celtic)
U.S. rank (2025) #5307 β Falling
2025 U.S. births 24 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year 2021
Total births (all-time) β 354
🌸
Essentials for mom
What she’ll actually want in week one
Peri-bottle, nursing pads, postpartum ice packs — 29 picks from Dr. Talbot’s.
Dr. Talbot’s · affiliate link
Shop mom essentials Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data peak 2022 1999 2025 U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data .
History & Origin Islay comes from the Scottish island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides (the etymology is uncertain, possibly Norse or pre-Celtic; which we note). A romantic place-name, said 'EYE-lah' (overlapping the name Isla).
It registers thinly in records. Rare, the-isle-of-Islay at the root, and romantic.
Did you know? Islay is a beautiful Scottish island in the Hebrides (famed for whisky) β its name is said 'EYE-lah', and its origin is ancient and uncertain; misty and romantic.
Overall data confidence 65%
Place-name references β Islay β etymology uncertain
Variations Isla Islae Ila
Nicknames Isy
Famous Bearers Famous bearers coming soon. If you like Islayβ¦ Isla β the homophone name Iona β a fellow Scottish island name Skye β a companion Scottish isle name Braelyn β a similarly popular pick Lesly β lands in the same popularity range Frequently Asked What does the name Islay mean? Islay is a Scottish Hebridean island; its etymology is ancient and uncertain.
How do you pronounce Islay? It's said EYE-lah /ΛaΙͺ.lΙ/ β two syllables, stress on the first (the s is silent).
Is Islay a boy or girl name? Islay is a girl's name.
How popular is Islay? Islay is a rare name in the U.S.
