Isla: Meaning, Origin & Everything You Need to Know
Isla is a Scottish name taken from the island of Islay and from the River Isla; it is pronounced 'EYE-luh'.
At a Glance
- Pronunciation
- EYE-luhˈaɪ.lə
- Origin
- Scottish
- Meaning
- Isla is a Scottish name taken from the island of Islay and from the River Isla; it is pronounced 'EYE-luh'.
- Gender
- Girl's name
- Syllables
- 2
- Nicknames
- Izzy, Isi
- US Popularity (2025)
- #28 — 📈 Rising
What Does Isla Mean?
Isla (pronounced EYE-luh) is a Scottish name that comes from Islay, the island in the Inner Hebrides, and from the River Isla in eastern Scotland. In Spanish, isla also means 'island', so the name has a clear meaning in two languages.
It began as a place name, then came into use as a given name in Scotland in the nineteenth century. It spread through the English-speaking world in the 2000s, and the actress Isla Fisher made it familiar to many.
In the US, Isla has risen quickly and now sits in the top 30 for girls. Its short length, soft sounds and watery meaning give it a calm, breezy feel.
How Popular Is Isla?
Isla has risen quickly since the late 2000s and now ranks in the top 30.
Source: US Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name data, ssa.gov/oact/babynames, 2025.
Middle Names That Go with Isla
Classic pairings
- Isla Rose
- Isla Grace
- Isla Jane
- Isla Elizabeth
Modern pairings
- Isla Wren
- Isla Sage
- Isla Skye
- Isla Wilde
One-syllable options
- Isla Claire
- Isla Faith
- Isla Jade
- Isla Joy
Family-name bridges
- Isla Marie
- Isla Anne
- Isla Lynn
- Isla Louise
Names Similar to Isla
If you love Isla, you might also like these names with a similar feel, origin, or sound.
Sibling Names That Go with Isla
💙 Brother names
💗 Sister names
Famous People Named Isla
- Isla FisherAustralian actress known for 'Wedding Crashers' and 'Confessions of a Shopaholic'.
- Isla St ClairScottish singer and television presenter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isla
Is Isla a boy or girl name?
Isla is primarily a girl's name. It is very rarely used for boys.
How do you pronounce Isla?
Isla is pronounced EYE-luh (IPA: ˈaɪ.lə). It has 2 syllables. Common nicknames include Izzy, Isi.
What does Isla mean?
Isla is a Scottish name taken from the island of Islay and from the River Isla; it is pronounced 'EYE-luh'.
Isla (pronounced EYE-luh) is a Scottish name that comes from Islay, the island in the Inner Hebrides, and from the River Isla in eastern Scotland. In Spanish, isla also means 'island', so the name has a clear meaning in two languages.
Is Isla a popular name in 2026?
Yes, Isla is a highly popular name. It ranked #28 in the United States in 2025 according to the Social Security Administration. The name is currently trending upward. Isla has risen quickly since the late 2000s and now ranks in the top 30.
What are good middle names for Isla?
Good middle names for Isla include classic choices like Isla Rose and Isla Grace, modern options like Isla Wren and Isla Sage, and crisp one-syllable pairings like Isla Claire and Isla Faith. The best middle name depends on your surname and personal style.
Discussing Isla with your partner?
Match on it in Namely — swipe through baby names together, and celebrate when you both say yes to the same one.