Comments
Meaning
Usage
Pronunciation
Famous
Impression
Other
I think Isla is a very beautiful name and anyone who doesn't like it is a bigot and should get a life and touch grass because they are jealous that they don't have a name as pretty as Isla.
-1
-1
Very trendy and overused. Over it!
0
0
It's pretty, but it's far too common for my liking. Every baby girl that I've met recently is either Isla, Emma, Iris, or Ellie (or, has "Ellie" as a nickname). It is still a nice name, though; Isla sounds light and feathery, to me.
2
2
It will age badly. Like Ashley, Britney, etc.
-1
-1
Terrible name, too trendy and reminds me of an eye and Jurassic Park. Not classy whatsoever.
-6
-6
This name is so overused in the Midwest US! Sorry but not a fan at all. I think of “eyeball”.
0
0
Also Finnish: https://www.nordicnames.de/wiki/Isla
1
1
My name is Isla, I completely love the name, though I do agree it is a tad bit overused, but that doesn't mean it's terrible.
9
9
I don't object to the sound - it fits in with other long-I names climbing in popularity, like Ivy or Iris - but the S bothers me. I know how "island" and "isle" are pronounced, don't get me wrong; but I live among a large Hispanic population, and this causes me to want to pronounce Isla as EES-lah (*Isla*, with that pronunciation, being the Spanish word for "island").
4
4
Overrated and uninteresting.
-6
-6
I prefer Lila over Isla.
-1
-1
Cute and very pretty.
11
11
I prefer the Spanish pronunciation (ees-la) Over the English pronunciation (eye-luh).
-1
-1
This name most likely became popular because it's hard to pronounce. Pretty weird.
-7
-7
Love this name, it's so cute as well as Ayla. Here are some middle names that match with it!
Isla Marie
Isla Wren
Isla Mae
Isla Rose.
8
Isla Marie
Isla Wren
Isla Mae
Isla Rose.
8
I love this name! I didn’t know that the s was silent, but it’s still pretty.
6
6
I can’t figure out how this even became popular. It’s too short and I immediately think of an eye.
-5
-5
Wayyyyyy too over used and I don’t know why either! It’s just a boring name *yawn*.
-5
-5
Reminds me of Isis.
-1
-1
There is a female wrestler who goes by Isla Dawn.
6
6
When I first saw this name, I read it as “Iz-la”. Isla is pronounced “eye-la”, like island. This name is extremely popular in the UK now, and it is definitely gaining some popularity in the States. Isla is not a rare or unusual name anymore. It seems like every new baby is called Isla nowadays. Pretty, but too trendy and overused. This name is definitely going to date.
5
5
Being a Jurassic Park fan, I can't help but to always think of Isla Nublar or Isla Sorna when I heard this name.
3
3
Isla is also Finnish. The name day for Isla in Finland is September 14. In 2020, Beatrice was the 7th most common baby name for girls born in Finland.
Sources: https://forebears.io/forenames/isla
https://www.behindthename.com/top/lists/finland/2020
3
Sources: https://forebears.io/forenames/isla
https://www.behindthename.com/top/lists/finland/2020
3
I’m pretty sure it can be pronounced both: ICE-la and EES-la.
-1
-1
Well I like that it means island. I feel like this will always get mispronounced though.
4
4
I love it a lot! So beautiful, refined, and mature!
3
3
I’m not sure how this is pronounced. Eye-la? For that reason, I’m not a fan. It seems to be getting popular though.
-2
-2
I love this name sooo much but on google translate it says ees-luh instead of eye-luh.
-2
-2
I don’t like it, it’s childish.
-5
-5
I like this name mostly because of the meaning— Spanish for island, and also comes from the word island. And islands are lovely and peaceful, so this makes a sweet choice of a name!
4
4
Quite nice, but I can see it becoming an old person's name.
0
0
Just boring! Nothing much to add. Just a boring name!
-4
-4
I personally like this name Ayla. This name could be mispronounced quite often. But you do you and if you're wanting to name you child this, go ahead!
-2
-2
EYE-la
IZ-la
EE-la
Any way works :)
1
IZ-la
EE-la
Any way works :)
1
I like this name a lot more now that I know how it's pronounced (Iz-la just sounds weird). I don't know if I'd use it for my kid, but it is a nice name. If you like a name, use it. Who cares how many other people have that name?
4
4
G o r g e o u s!
8
8
Too trendy and boring.
3
3
I don't find it classic; it's not like Elizabeth-Emma-Charlotte Sophia... it is very trendy and I think it will be dated in ten years; as happened to other names like Kelly Gemma Nicola Samantha etc...
-3
-3
Hmmm, I instantly think of an eye. It's not super appealing.
-3
-3
I prefer Aila or Ayla, because I dislike the silent S in Isla.
-3
-3
I don’t like the name much. I asked a few people and they said Isla was better than Charlotte and that offended me.
-4
-4
This should be pronounced IS-luh, it sounds better that way.
0
0
My daughter’s name is Isla Paloma. I find it very beautiful and exotic. We pronounce it as Eez-la, I personally find it a lot more beautiful, than the English pronunciation. Plus Paloma means pigeon in Spanish, which is the symbol of peace. So she’s basically called island of peace. Which is true, she’s only 6 months old and brings nothing but love and peace to the family. I think Isla is a beautiful name, and only came to find out it’s so popular overseas not so long ago. Here in Europe it’s not a thing, I actually chose these names because they are rare over here, lol.
3
3
Also Finnish name. Finnish name day September 14.
https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isla
https://almanakka.helsinki.fi/en/name-days/name-day-search.html
2
https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isla
https://almanakka.helsinki.fi/en/name-days/name-day-search.html
2
Isla is lovely but I’m worried it will become too popular in the next couple of years...
15
15
Isla is a beautiful name. It's as classic as Ava and Sophia. Pretty names do become trendy at some point or another. Its rise in popularity will make this moniker less likely to mispronounce. If you can say island, you can say Isla.
5
5
Trendy, not a classic name.
1
1
Soooo trendy it will be a dated name in the future like Debbie or Jennifer.
0
0
Isla is lovely, but it's very trendy right now. I'm sure many girls with this name are under the age of 5.
4
4
I know someone called Isla and they don’t usually mispronounce it or misspell it. I hope this is helps (:
3
3
Being first generation Scottish, I’ve loved this name for many, many years. I was certain this beautiful name would be for my first daughter. However, I feel as if it’s getting too popular now. It’s very disappointing, but I’m looking for another name because of this. I feel like it’s going to be the new Isabella. As a Pre-K teacher, I don’t want my daughter to be Isla M. Or Isla C.
8
8
I don't care for this name.
4
4
My name is Isla and I usually get called is-la and even Elsa. My parents used my name because I am Scottish. It is a wonderful name, and I get compliments on it. It is amazing how popular it has become. There is a little girl named Isla a couple houses down from me also. My friend's aunt decided to name her baby after my name, so I think you should consider this name!
3
3
In love with the name Isla! I think it's beautiful. However, it is bound to be mispronounced and misspelled consistently. For this reason, I probably wouldn't use it here in Canada.
-2
-2
The Spanish pronunciation of this name is beautiful.
2
2
Really pretty.
10
10
Cute, but I don’t like the spelling :/
-2
-2
Pretty and exotic.
6
6
Pretty name, but could be hard to pronounce for some. It's getting quite trendy as well, probably going to be one of those names that will be a marker of the 2020s/late 2010s.
1
1
This name is very poetic, and should be used more often. It rolls off the tongue and makes me think of a blond angel or something. It's even soothing to say it out loud!
4
4
Pretty.
8
8
I’m not sure why I originally thought the pronunciation was is-la when it’s really eye-la. The name pronounced the first way is terrible, but when it’s pronounced correctly it is so beautiful! I haven’t met any Islas.
3
3
Beautiful meaning ('island' in Spanish), but not really my thing. This name is quite short, though. Might work better as a nickname than a first name.
0
0
As my name is actually Isla I found out that it can mean intelligent and independent and I am pretty smart at school sooooooo...
STAY AT SCHOOL KIDS.
7
STAY AT SCHOOL KIDS.
7
Also an English name. [noted -ed]
0
0
I personally do not like this name very much. People are either going to misspell it or mispronounce it despite the fact that it's uber popular in the US. So: your kid has a common name that people still don't get how to pronounce. I do think it looks very pleasing and the pronunciation sounds nice, too; they just won't go together for most native English speakers. I think it would be great for a fictional name. Or, maybe using the "EYE-la" pronunciation as a nickname for Eileen / Aileen.
-4
-4
This is such a beautiful name :)
4
4
In 2018, 2 is the most common age for an American (U.S.) Isla who is registered female with the Social Security Administration. It is the 4, 770th most common female first name for living U.S. citizens.
4
4
I dislike it because it's phonetically incorrect like the word "island." Spelling it Ayla or Aila is much better. If you spell it Isla, then just imagine having to explain to your five year old why her name has an S in it when there is no S sound. Answer: "Oh, because I wanted to continue the stupidity of the word 'island,' which makes no logical sense!"
-9
-9
I love the name Isla. It's really pretty. There's a girl in my class at school who I sit next to called Isla. She can be annoying sometimes but most of the time we're friends. She doesn't like that her name is so short, and wishes it had a 'y' in it so it would look prettier on paper, but it is a lovely name. Maybe a long form and Isla as a pet name would be better, but I can't think of any long forms for Isla. Anyone got any ideas?
3
3
I would say Eye-la but a lot of people may say Iss-la. Isla is a really nice name for a girl.
4
4
I love this name but I would personally spell it Aisla.
-3
-3
I wouldn't give my child this name. People will misspell and mispronounce it all the time.
1
1
I love the name ISLA! I don't understand why anyone would be put off by it being Spanish and pronounced differently, though it is a Scottish name. The fact that it translates in other languages just adds depth to it, in my opinion. Sure, people will mispronounce it, though I think most Americans would recognize the name from ISLA Fisher and know how to say it. Plus she really isn't that huge of a star, so I doubt it would become overused. I like the metaphor of an island, too.. I don't think of it as a place of loneliness and isolation, but instead as something unique, beautiful, independent, unburdened by the stress of daily minutiae...
4
4
Not sure how the name is "overrated." It's a godsdamn name. We're not talking tattoos or dyed-purple hair here.
Anywho, my name is actually spelled "Aisla", but it is the same name (eye-la). I've only ever received compliments for my name, and people seem over-voluntary to correct others for me when it's mispronounced - hopefully that's because saying it has a pleasant feel to it!
I've looked into it meaning "fairy rock", and I think that is above all and any meanings for names. It's something magical for me to live with and feel connected to.
The down-side is it is 99% mispronounced. I live in Canada. I've come to terms with it - having a name that is both a blessing and a curse. My Dad really meant to do well by my name (he is a very proud Scot and apparently pulled out a dusty old tome with old gaelic names - my brother also has an usual name). It offers conversation with strangers. It makes a moment feel brighter when someone pronounces it properly right off the bat. I get to correct people when they call me "Asia" or "Eezla". I love correcting people! Don't assume, world!
And occasionally I meet other Aislas. It's a good world, and makes for a fun life being an Aisla (Isla). Nice to meet any and all of you out there!
1
Anywho, my name is actually spelled "Aisla", but it is the same name (eye-la). I've only ever received compliments for my name, and people seem over-voluntary to correct others for me when it's mispronounced - hopefully that's because saying it has a pleasant feel to it!
I've looked into it meaning "fairy rock", and I think that is above all and any meanings for names. It's something magical for me to live with and feel connected to.
The down-side is it is 99% mispronounced. I live in Canada. I've come to terms with it - having a name that is both a blessing and a curse. My Dad really meant to do well by my name (he is a very proud Scot and apparently pulled out a dusty old tome with old gaelic names - my brother also has an usual name). It offers conversation with strangers. It makes a moment feel brighter when someone pronounces it properly right off the bat. I get to correct people when they call me "Asia" or "Eezla". I love correcting people! Don't assume, world!
And occasionally I meet other Aislas. It's a good world, and makes for a fun life being an Aisla (Isla). Nice to meet any and all of you out there!
1
Do your baby a favour! DO NOT CALL HER ISLA! If you live in Australia everyone will call her Izzla.
I used to be called Isla. I deed-polled it because it was either that or I was going to deck the next person who called me Izzla.
Even when pronounced correctly, it sounds too much like 'nylon' for my liking.
8
I used to be called Isla. I deed-polled it because it was either that or I was going to deck the next person who called me Izzla.
Even when pronounced correctly, it sounds too much like 'nylon' for my liking.
8
I rather like this name, but even so I think it is overrated, especially in the United Kingdom. It seems to be catching on in the United States, too; over 2, 000 girls were given this name in 2014 in the US.
4
4
I always have to look twice when I see this name written, because it is so close to "Ilsa". It's just that the "s" and "l" are switched in position. I like the pronunciation "Eees-lah". I find both Isla and Ilsa to be very pretty names (I have both German and British ancestry).
3
3
The most important thing when choosing a name is that is that it makes you happy. Who cares what others think. Not everyone is going to agree on names, so don't knock other peoples choices. My daughter's name is Isla. I put a lot of thought into her name. It is very whimsical and carefree sounding to me. I love her name!
3
3
Isla is pronounced one way in Scottish, and a totally different way in Spanish. This should definitely concern you if you live in an area with a lot of Spanish speakers (such as southern California). If you live in an area like that, it's better to choose a name that's pronounced the same way in Spanish and English.
4
4
Beautiful name, it really has grown on me. Being that it's not too common in the US made it stand out and I wasn't quite sure if it was in a good way or bad way. Didn't know how to pronounce it at first but I just had to be told once and now its pretty simple. I personally have a name that has always been said wrong at first, and I've constantly had to correct it. Depending on how you look at it, can be irritating or can just emphasize the uniqueness to the name. Which is a great feeling and as I got older I loved having a name that was not as common as everyone else's. You get so many compliments, and can be a great conversation starter. So all in all this is a really pretty name, and if I had a daughter I would consider this.
1
1
My granddaughter is named Isla and her middile name is my mother's name, Mae. I love the two together, Isla Mae. Plus she is so adorable!
My son and his wife were also considering Harper and Cecilia. I am glad they chose Isla Mae.
3
My son and his wife were also considering Harper and Cecilia. I am glad they chose Isla Mae.
3
I've never been a fan of this name.
1
1
Isla is also a modern Finnish name. Over 1100 of it's 1500 bearers were born in the past five years. The pronunciation is IS-lu, even though the name was most likely adopted from British use. Interestingly, the Scottish Isla also has a Finnish homophone, Aila, which was vastly popular for half a century, starting from the 1920s.
2
2
The way it sounds is good, but when I first read the name written down, the first thing I saw was "Islam" without the "m". Not that there's anything wrong with Islam, I just thought it was something that might put some people off.
1
1
My name is Isla, but I do not pronounce it "eye-lah". Maybe it's due to the fact that I'm Mexican and my parents and everyone around me has pronounced it as the Spanish word for island, "E-sla". Lucky for me (sarcasm) my last name happens to be Piedra, which translates to rock in English. So growing up my nickname has always been Rock Island (Piedra Isla).
6
6
Isla is a great, refreshing name and is perfect for a girl!
1
1
The second daughter of Peter Phillips (son of Princess Anne and eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II) and his wife Autumn is named Isla Elizabeth. She was born 29 March 2012.
1
1
Isla is also a Turkey/Persian name for girls. ]t means the halo around the moon or other stars. It also means brilliance and twilight. This is how it is written in Farsi:
آیلا.
1
آیلا.
1
I love the name Isla. my daughter is called Isla - the name is an anagram of my wife's name Lisa, it is also the name of the famous Island of Isla who produce some great Whisky. What more could you ask for in a name! It is sad to see some negative comments by people who won't even leave a name! I wonder what is so good about their name!
1
1
Another nauseatingly trendy name that I've gotten sick of hearing. I admit it's not as bad as Indiana, but I don't like it.
0
0
Pronounced IE-lə. [noted -ed]
0
0
Isla is actually my name; I'm Scottish but I live in the US. It is very uncommon here, which leads to a lot of mispronunciation from other people. But I get compliments from everyone I meet. It is a beautiful name and I'm sad to see it referred to as "trashy" in the very ignorant comment above. Family friends have named their daughters Isla after meeting me, and I couldn't be happier with my name :)
1
1
Pretty, exotic sounding girls name. Only problem is people might pronounce it wrong.
3
3
I know of someone called 'Eilla', and it is pronounced the same, but apparently it is extremely rare to spell it this way!
1
1
I love the sound of this name, but I would probably give it as a middle name because some people might not know how to pronounce it.
1
1
This has been one of my favourite names since I saw Isla Fisher in Home and Away well over ten years ago. It's very beautiful and not overly common. I love traditional Scottish names, they have a lovely sound.
0
0
Such a beautiful and unique name.
0
0
Isla Cameron was a Scottish singer and actress. She played Miss McKenzie, the librarian, in the movie version of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
1
1
Trendy doesn't have to equal bad though. I would say the same about Isabella and Olivia although Isla is a bit more distinct and has a different feel. I see trendy in relation to Isla meaning it's having a more sudden burst of popularity. It's hot right now or becoming hot. That doesn't mean it hasn't been used regularly before in some places. There are Isla's of all ages (many long dead) all over the world.
0
0
I don't know why some people are calling this a "trendy" name. Isla is a traditional Scottish name, and has been used as a given name for centuries. It's about as trendy as Ivy or Catherine. Anyway, I adore this name. It has a beautiful soft sound, like a feminine whisper. I picture a intelligent girl who has long dark hair, green eyes, and lashes like scimitars, who is opinionated and into music and politics.
3
3
Isla Hitchens (née Black) was a pure-blood witch and the sister of Sirius, Phineas Nigellus, and Elladora Black. She married a Muggle named Bob Hitchens, and was struck off the Black Family tree and disowned as a result.
2
2
Isla St Clair (born 2 May 1952), born Isabella Margaret Dyce, is a Scottish singer, actress and former game show co-host.
1
1
Isla Traquair (born 1980) is a Scottish broadcast journalist, currently working on Five News.
1
1
I like it but I can't decide between Ayla and this. Ayla isn't as pretty looking but Isla is more confusing.
1
1
Lovely name but has become quite trendy and common where I am. There were 4 Islas in my ante-natal class 2 years ago!
It's a fine Scottish name and it irks me when people can't tell the difference between a Scottish name and a Spanish word. Fortunately most of the English speaking world are aware of the difference.
4
It's a fine Scottish name and it irks me when people can't tell the difference between a Scottish name and a Spanish word. Fortunately most of the English speaking world are aware of the difference.
4
Word. I've had people explain to me and condescendingly so, that it's bizarre to like the Spanish word island as a name, even AFTER hearing the explanation it's used as a Scottish name and said differently. It's like talking to a brick wall.
3
3
It's nice. I like Iyla too.
1
1
How could you not understand why it's popular on this board, anon? I think it's pretty obvious isn't it? Two syllables, light, airy and for the Americans, probably quite "exotic" too. There's also a gorgeous, comedic, non-sleazy Australian actress with the name who is gaining more notice. I guess it helps that's she married to Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat). That would get you noticed.
I agree that it's problematic in the United States which is great. It shouldn't climb too high.
3
I agree that it's problematic in the United States which is great. It shouldn't climb too high.
3
I hate this name, I have no clue why it is so popular among people on this site (opinion board) it drives me crazy and the name isn't even the slight bit nice!
0
0
Being from the United States, I would be aware that if you live in the US and name your daughter Isla, prepare for the majority of people not to pronounce this name in the Scottish manner. They'll pronounce it as if it were the Spanish word. I'm a fan of names, but prior to reading this definition, if I had a student named Isla, I'd pronounce it wrong on the first day of class. And for some reason Madonna's song "La Isla Bonita" now won't get out of my head.
1
1
Isla Fisher has been around for ages although obviously only recently become more well known in the US and Canada. I think you're fine with Isla. It's not top 1000 yet (so rare) and I do think the confusion with the Spanish word "island" will prevent it ever topping the charts. It confuses many people.
If you are in the UK, I stand corrected, it's already mainstream.
1
If you are in the UK, I stand corrected, it's already mainstream.
1
One of my favorite names, but I am concerned that it is becoming popular due to the actress Isla Fisher (whom I hadn't heard of until a few weeks ago). I'm also concerned that people wouldn't pronounce it EYE-LAH like it's supposed to be, but rather say IS-LAH incorrectly.
4
4
Isla isn't just a variant of Islay; there are two rivers in Scotland called Isla. Both Islay and Isla are anglicised spellings of their Gaelic name Ile.
2
2
Maybe it would be easier to spell it like Ayla. It's a pretty name for a girl.
3
3
It makes me snicker a little when some name enthusiasts from the US call it trendy and then propose Charlotte or the very similar in sound Lila, both of which are much, much, much, much more trendy than Isla which hasn't even made the top 1000 yet. It is going to get more use but come on! You are overstating things. Lots of Americans haven't even heard of it and assume it's the Spanish word for island being used as a name. It's a weird situation.
In the United Kingdom and Australia it does feel a bit trendy but not nearing Charlotte, Ruby, Grace or Olivia proportions.
4
In the United Kingdom and Australia it does feel a bit trendy but not nearing Charlotte, Ruby, Grace or Olivia proportions.
4
This is a beautiful name that I have loved since Isla Fisher was in 'Home and Away'! If I ever have a daughter it is a strong possibility I would name her Isla.
3
3
Sweet name. Like Lilah, it is going to get more notice.
3
3
This name is stupid. It's just Spanish for "island". Why do many people in Britain like this name? It sounds very trashy.
-10
-10
You're kidding, right? Isla is a Scottish name, much like Ailsa or Iona. It's NOT a Spanish name so the "it's just the Spanish word for island" really isn't that relevant. So, it's popularity in the UK should not be surprising to you, should it? Isn't Scotland part of Britain? DUH!
There are quite a few celebs in the UK with the name: Isla St Clair, Isla Blair, Isla Grant Isla Traquair to name a few as well as the more exposed - Australian Isla Fisher.
1
There are quite a few celebs in the UK with the name: Isla St Clair, Isla Blair, Isla Grant Isla Traquair to name a few as well as the more exposed - Australian Isla Fisher.
1
You seemed to have missed some vital points. "Isla" is the Spanish word for island. It is ALSO a traditional Scottish name. I'm not sure how hard that is to comprehend. As for sounding trashy. Um, no more than Isobel or Rose. That's a bizarre comment.
7
7
Overrated. I hadn't heard of this name until I saw Wedding Crashers. It's practically unheard of in the US but the situation must be different elsewhere?
1
1
It's not bad, but it is overrated.
3
3
Princess Isla is a princess in "Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses".
2
2
I love this name, it's so nice and uncommon. I would pretty much name my daughter like this!
3
3
Islay (or Isla) (A) is pronounced Eye-la. Ideas differ about the derivation of the name Islay. Various possibilities have been put forward, including "island divided in two" and "the law island", while it also has been suggested that the name derives from a Pictish princess called Ile, who lived around 650-700 AD. Otherwise the name seems to have emerged around that time with no obvious reason for it.
According to Domhnall Maceacharna, the earliest known reference to the island comes in Adamnan's biography of the Irish saint, Columba, written in about 720 AD. St Columba visited Islay on his way north, prior to setting up the famous monastery on the island of Iona, off the south-west tip of Mull. Adamnan wrote it is 'Ilea', describing it as an inhabited island, "Ilea insula habitabat", and also as 'green, grassy Islay', a phrase which is still used in the Gaelic, "Ile Ghorm an Fheoir".
In a text in 740, it is spelt 'Ili', while by 1095 it had become Yle. From then on, it is commonly Ila, Yla and Ilay. The present spelling was not widely adopted until about 1800. It is as if more modern writers were unhappy with Yla or Ilay and added an 's' to make it look more like the word 'island'. It should be noted that Islay is the anglicised spelling; in Gaelic the island is still spelt Ile.
Peggy Earl's favourite theory, however, concerned a Danish Princess called Iula, or Yula, who left Denmark with an apron full of stones of different sizes. As she proceeded on her journey some of the stones fell out, one becoming Ireland, another Rathlin and a third Texa. The remainder of the stones fell out and became the string of islands from Ardbeg to Kildalton. She perished in the soft sands off that coast and was taken to Seonais Hill above Loch Cnoc and buried there. What was described in the Statistical Account of 1794 as the grave of "a daughter of one of the Kings of Denmark" is marked by two small standing stones about 10 m apart, though there is, sadly, no good evidence to support this tradition. Islay is said to have got its name from this lady, or perhaps she may have taken her name from Islay.
From www.islayinfo.com
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According to Domhnall Maceacharna, the earliest known reference to the island comes in Adamnan's biography of the Irish saint, Columba, written in about 720 AD. St Columba visited Islay on his way north, prior to setting up the famous monastery on the island of Iona, off the south-west tip of Mull. Adamnan wrote it is 'Ilea', describing it as an inhabited island, "Ilea insula habitabat", and also as 'green, grassy Islay', a phrase which is still used in the Gaelic, "Ile Ghorm an Fheoir".
In a text in 740, it is spelt 'Ili', while by 1095 it had become Yle. From then on, it is commonly Ila, Yla and Ilay. The present spelling was not widely adopted until about 1800. It is as if more modern writers were unhappy with Yla or Ilay and added an 's' to make it look more like the word 'island'. It should be noted that Islay is the anglicised spelling; in Gaelic the island is still spelt Ile.
Peggy Earl's favourite theory, however, concerned a Danish Princess called Iula, or Yula, who left Denmark with an apron full of stones of different sizes. As she proceeded on her journey some of the stones fell out, one becoming Ireland, another Rathlin and a third Texa. The remainder of the stones fell out and became the string of islands from Ardbeg to Kildalton. She perished in the soft sands off that coast and was taken to Seonais Hill above Loch Cnoc and buried there. What was described in the Statistical Account of 1794 as the grave of "a daughter of one of the Kings of Denmark" is marked by two small standing stones about 10 m apart, though there is, sadly, no good evidence to support this tradition. Islay is said to have got its name from this lady, or perhaps she may have taken her name from Islay.
From www.islayinfo.com
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I love this name. It has such a pretty sound.
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Spanish pronunciation: EES-lah.
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This is a Scottish name. The Spanish word Isla is unrelated.
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There is a singer in Ireland called Isla Grant.
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I read it came from the Gaelic word "Aileach" which means "rocky place".
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Isla Black is Sirus Black's Great-Great Aunt in the Harry Potter series.
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Isla is pronounced like EYE-lah.
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A famous bearer is actress Isla Fisher.
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I love the name Isla. It's one of my favourites. It's not overly used like Emily, Louise, etc.
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Isla is the Spanish word for island. I named my daughter this because we lived on an island and her birth reminded me of the calm waves and serenity of the island.
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