"place name: town in Scotland"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: English
Paisley
Pronunciation: [ p-AYZL-ee ]
Does Paisley flow with your last name?
A Scottish town, a timeless pattern, and a very American name
Scottish
American
Southern American
Modern
Whimsical
Earthy
Trendy
Playful
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"church, basilica"
Origin: Latin via Gaelic
Language: English
"from the town of Paisley, meaning church or basilica"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic via Latin
Language: English
"the paisley pattern, ornate beauty"
Origin: Modern cultural association
Language: English
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The Story of Paisley
Paisley is a Scottish town near Glasgow whose name derives from the Old Gaelic paslach or possibly the Latin basilica (church). The town gave its name to the iconic teardrop or curved botanical motif—the Paisley pattern—introduced to Britain from India via Kashmir shawl trade in the 18th century. As a girl's name, Paisley is a thoroughly 21st century American creation, combining Scottish heritage with the visual beauty of the swirling, intricate pattern that has decorated everything from Nehru jackets to bandanas.
Paisley has surged in popularity since 2010, reaching the US top 50 for girls. The fact that country music star Brad Paisley is male did not prevent it from becoming a distinctly feminine name in American culture. It is especially popular in Southern states and rural communities, and reflects the broader trend of surname-style names for girls.
The Paisley pattern is one of the most globally recognized textile designs, with roots in ancient Persia and India and a European resurgence through the Victorian shawl craze. In the 1960s, it became synonymous with psychedelic culture—worn by the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. Prince named his studio Paisley Park, transforming the pattern into a symbol of artistic creativity.
Historical Record
Paisley first appeared in US Social Security records in 1966.
Over 61,817 babies have been named Paisley in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Paisley is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #61 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Paisley pattern has roots in ancient Persia (called boteh or buta) and entered European fashion through the Kashmiri shawl trade in the 18th century
- Prince named his legendary studio and music label Paisley Park in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, now a registered museum
- The town of Paisley in Scotland is home to the Abbey of Paisley, founded in 1163 by Walter fitz Alan and burial place of Scottish royalty
Paisley in Other Languages
No traditional equivalents
Paisley is primarily an English-language name
Popularity Over Time
#61
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Paisley
P
Paisley Jenkins
Musician
1979
American country music artist and songwriter
B
Brad Paisley
Musician
1972
American country music singer and guitarist, multiple Grammy and CMA Award winner, known for Whiskey Lullaby and Then
P
Paisley Park
Musician
1958
Prince's music studio and record label, also referenced in his song Around the World in a Day
P
Prince (Paisley Park)
Musician
1958
American musician and songwriter who named his legendary studio Paisley Park, one of the most influential musicians of t...
American musician and songwriter who named his legendary studio Paisley Park, one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century
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Compare Paisley with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #61
- Total SSA Count
- 3,542
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish American Southern American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Pais
Lee
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Paisley
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Paisley is also used as a boy name, ranked #17710.
View Paisley as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Paisley →Compare Paisley with...
Same Origin Names (Scottish)
See all Scottish names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Paisley
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Latin valere origin
"to be strong, to be healthy"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paisley
What does the name Paisley mean?
"place name: town in Scotland" (from Scottish Gaelic). "church, basilica" (from Latin via Gaelic). "from the town of Paisley, meaning church or basilica" (from Scottish Gaelic via Latin). "the paisley pattern, ornate beauty" (from Modern cultural association). Paisley is a Scottish town near Glasgow whose name derives from the Old Gaelic paslach or possibly the Latin basilica (church). The town gave its name to the iconic teardrop or curved botanical motif—the Paisley pattern—introduced to Britain from India via Kashmir shawl trade in the 18th century. As a girl's name, Paisley is a thoroughly 21st century American creation, combining Scottish heritage with the visual beauty of the swirling, intricate pattern that has decorated everything from Nehru jackets to bandanas.
What is the origin of the name Paisley?
Paisley has Scottish Gaelic, Latin via Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic via Latin, Modern cultural association, Scottish, American, and Southern American origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "place name: town in Scotland". In Latin via Gaelic, it means "church, basilica". In Scottish Gaelic via Latin, it means "from the town of Paisley, meaning church or basilica". In Modern cultural association, it means "the paisley pattern, ornate beauty".
Is Paisley a boy or girl name?
Paisley is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #61. As a boy name, it is ranked #17710. Paisley is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Paisley?
Paisley is pronounced p-AYZL-ee.
How popular is the name Paisley?
Paisley is currently ranked #61 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Paisley?
Common nicknames for Paisley include Pais and Lee.
What are good middle names for Paisley?
Popular middle name pairings include Paisley Grace, Paisley Rose, Paisley Mae, Paisley Ann, Paisley Jo, Paisley Dawn, and Paisley Renee.
What are good sibling names for Paisley?
Names that pair well with Paisley as siblings include Addison, Harper, Mason, Hunter, Brooklyn, Sawyer, and Quinn.
How many syllables does Paisley have?
Paisley has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Paisley a common or rare name?
Paisley is a very popular name, ranked #61 among girl names in the United States.
What girl names are similar to Paisley?
About the Name Paisley
Paisley is a girl name with Scottish, American, and Southern American origins . The name means "place name: town in Scotland" in Scottish Gaelic .
Is Paisley a boy or girl name? Paisley is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #61 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #17,710. Paisley is more commonly used as a girl name.
Paisley is currently ranked #61 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Paisley has 2 syllables and is pronounced p-AYZL-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Paisley include Pais and Lee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Paisley include Paislee, Paisleigh, Paislynn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis