Islay
Girl name · 272 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Islay: 272 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 16 births in 2013.
The name Islay is drawn directly from the Scottish island of the same name in the Inner Hebrides, itself from the Gaelic Ìle, though its original meaning remains uncertain. Its most famous bearer was Queen Victoria’s beloved Skye terrier, Islay, who was so cherished that the queen sketched and photographed him. The island itself is globally renowned for its distinctive, peaty single malt whiskies, giving the name a strong Highland and Hebridean resonance. As a given name, Islay is used for both boys and girls in modern Scotland, though it remains uncommon. Its soft, lyrical sound and deep ties to Scottish geography and heritage make it an evocative choice for parents seeking a name with a true sense of place.
Girl 34 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 201316 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #5395 babies
- Total births
- 272since 1979
- 5-year trend
- ▼ 27%vs prior 5y