Girls · #67 in 2025
Paisley: Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Origin
- Scottish place-based surname
- Meaning
- From Paisley in Scotland; possibly connected with basilica
- Pronunciation
- PAYZ-lee
- Nickname options
- Pais
Origin and meaning
Paisley comes from a Scottish surname taken from the town near Glasgow. The place name may be connected with Latin basilica, referring to a church. The familiar textile pattern adds a separate visual association for modern parents.
U.S. popularity
Paisley ranked #67 for girls in the United States in 2025, with 3,508 girls given this spelling. Its highest recorded U.S. rank was #45, reached in 2015, 2017. Historical coverage: 1880–2025. Peak refers to rank, not the largest number of births.
Source: Social Security Administration; historical peaks calculated from its national name files. Rankings count each spelling separately within the listed sex.
The Hello Baby Names take
Paisley feels lively and decorative, with a little more movement than many surname names. The Z sound gives it energy, while the ending feels friendly. It is a good fit for parents who like an easygoing name with a recognizable visual character.
Things to consider
Paisley and alternative spellings share the same spoken style. Try the full name with your surname to hear whether the repeated ending feels balanced.
If you love Paisley, consider…
- Riley: Offers a simpler, similarly buoyant rhythm.
- Lainey: Softens the sound into a nickname style.
- Everly: Keeps the flowing surname feel.
- Kinsley: Shares the tailored ending and modern mood.
- Piper: Adds a crisper, more energetic structure.
- Daisy: Offers a similarly cheerful sound with floral imagery.
- Avery: Brings a softer, more vowel-rich choice.
- Willow: Trades the decorative mood for a calmer nature name.