While it is soft on the ear, Isla has a strong etymological backbone. It is a topographical name rooted in nature, evoking images of misty waters and rolling hills. It avoids being frilly or overly complicated, making it a favorite for parents who want a name that is easy to spell but hard to forget.
Verdict: Isla is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the perfect alternative to names like Ava or Emma, offering that same popular, two-syllable rhythm but with a slightly more European, cosmopolitan flair. It is a name that will age beautifully from a spirited toddler to a sophisticated adult.
Isla Overview
- Meaning: Isla’s meaning is a reference to the Scottish island of Islay.
- Gender: Traditionally, Isla is a feminine name.
- Origin: Isla is Scottish in origin.
- Pronunciation: EYE-la.
- Popularity: The name Isla has become increasingly popular as an old-fashioned, beautifully feminine option. It is currently the 44th most popular girl’s name in the U.S.
- Nicknames: I, Lala, La.
- Variations: Ile, Ila, Eila.
- Namesakes: Isla Fisher, Isla Phillips, and Isla St. Clair.
What Does Isla Mean?
On the surface, the meaning seems simple. In Spanish, the word isla literally translates to “island.” While this gives the name a lovely, tropical connection for Spanish speakers, the name used in the English-speaking world has a different etymological path.
The name Isla primarily serves as a topographical name derived from Islay, the “Queen of the Hebrides.” Islay is a rugged, beautiful island off the west coast of Scotland known for its peaty whisky and stunning scenery. Therefore, the true definition of the name is “Island of Islay.”
There is also a River Isla in Perthshire, Scotland. The etymology of the river’s name is pre-Celtic, and some linguistic scholars suggest it may come from a root word meaning “swelling river” or “moving rapidly.” This adds a layer of dynamic energy to an otherwise serene name.
Where Does the Name Isla Come From?
The name Isla is distinctly Scottish. It is a derivative of Islay (pronounced exactly the same way). The island itself has a rich history, historically known as the seat of the Lord of the Isles, a title of Scottish nobility.
While the location has existed for millennia, Isla as a given name is a relatively modern phenomenon in the grand timeline of history. It was used in Scotland in the 19th century but remained a localized gem for generations. It did not cross the Atlantic in significant numbers until the early 2000s. Its sudden rise to global fame is largely attributed to the fame of actress Isla Fisher, who introduced the correct pronunciation and charm of the name to a wider audience.
How Popular is the Name Isla?
If we look at the trajectory of Isla, it can best be described as a “meteor.” For most of the 20th century, Isla was virtually non-existent on the US Social Security Administration charts. It did not even rank in the top 1,000 names until 2008.
Once it arrived, however, it skyrocketed. It vaulted from obscurity to the Top 50 in just over a decade, a feat that very few names accomplish. It has transitioned from a traditional name rarely heard outside the UK to a dominant force in American naming culture.
Currently, it is a firmly established top-tier favorite. It sits comfortably in the “sweet spot” of popularity: everyone recognizes it and knows how to spell it, but it retains an air of sophistication that prevents it from feeling common.
How Do I Pronounce Isla?
This is the most common stumbling block for this name. Because of the “s” in the spelling, many people intuitively want to say IS-la (rhyming with Tesla).
The correct pronunciation is EYE-la. The “s” is entirely silent. It rhymes with the word “island.”
Is Isla a Boy or Girl Name?
Isla is considered a strictly feminine name. While place-names (like London or Brooklyn) often become unisex, Isla’s vowel-ending sound and soft phonetics have kept it firmly in the female category. There are practically no statistical records of boys being named Isla in the US.
Variations of Isla
While Isla is the dominant spelling, there are several cultural variations that achieve the same sound or meaning:
- Islay: The original Scottish place-name spelling.
- Aila: A Finnish variation meaning “bearer of light,” which sounds identical.
- Eila: A Hebrew variation meaning “oak tree.”
- Ila: An older, simplified spelling often seen in the early 1900s.
- Yla: A rare modern stylized spelling.
Nicknames for Isla
Because Isla is only two syllables and four letters, it does not require shortening. However, parents often love “pet names” for their little ones. Here are common and creative options:
- Izzy: A spunky, high-energy option.
- Lala: A sweet, sing-song nickname for toddlers.
- Isle: A one-syllable shortening that sounds elegant.
- Eye: A simple phonetic affectionate term.
- Lulu: A creative leap from the “La” sound.
- Isa: A soft alternative often used in European countries.
Names Similar to Isla
If you love the “vibe” of Isla, liquid, vowel-heavy, and vintage, but want to avoid its current popularity, consider these similar alternatives:
- Ayla: Visually and sonically very close, but with Hebrew or Turkish roots.
- Esme: Another French-Scottish crossover that feels chic and literary.
- Freya: Shares that distinct UK/European popularity and feminine strength.
- Mila: Offers the same rhythm (consonant-vowel-consonant-vowel) but with Slavic roots.
- Elsie: A Scottish diminutive of Elspeth that shares Isla’s vintage charm.
- Ivy: A botanical name that starts with the same “I” sound and is equally short and punchy.
- Luna: Shares the celestial, soft, four-letter structure.
- Mira: A Latin option meaning “admirable” that feels just as international.
Middle Names for Isla
Isla is a versatile first name. Because it ends in a vowel, it often pairs best with a middle name that starts with a consonant to avoid the names running together.
Classic & Royal Pairings
These names ground Isla, giving it a timeless, aristocratic feel suited for a future resume.
- Isla Catherine
- Isla Elizabeth
- Isla Jane
- Isla Margaret
- Isla Victoria
- Isla Charlotte
Nature-Inspired & Earthy
Lean into the “island” meaning with these botanical and bohemian choices.
- Isla Rose
- Isla Wren
- Isla June
- Isla Fern
- Isla Sage
- Isla Pearl
Modern & Spunky
These one-syllable middle names add rhythm and a bit of edge to the softer first name.
- Isla Quinn
- Isla Blair
- Isla Maeve
- Isla Reese
- Isla Sloane
- Isla Blake
Sibling Names for Isla
Creating a “sib-set” is an art form. You want names that sound like they belong in the same era and style without matching too perfectly.
For a Brother
You want a name that is gentle but masculine, perhaps with a touch of Celtic or British flair.
- Oliver: A massive hit in the UK and US that matches Isla’s popularity.
- Callum: A distinctly Scottish name (meaning “dove”) that is the perfect cultural match.
- Liam: Short, Irish, and undeniably handsome.
- Finn: Gives off that same energetic, short, island-adventure vibe.
- Noah: Soft, biblical, and vowel-heavy.
- Leo: A vintage name that shares the “L” sound without rhyming.
For a Sister
Look for names that are vintage revivals, short, sweet, and ending in vowels.
- Mia: Short, international, and sweet.
- Nora: A vintage classic that feels right at home next to Isla.
- Ruby: A spunky gemstone name with vintage flair.
- Elsie: Matches the Scottish heritage perfectly.
- Hazel: An earthy, vintage name that grounds the airy nature of Isla.
- Clara: Elegant, simple, and historically compatible.
Famous People Named Isla
- Isla Fisher: The Australian actress (married to Sacha Baron Cohen) is widely credited with popularizing the name in the US.
- Isla Phillips: The great-granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, proving the name has royal approval.
- Isla Blair: A veteran British actress known for her stage and screen work.
- Isla St Clair: A Scottish singer and game show hostess who was a household name in the UK in the 70s.
- Isla Traquair: A well-known Scottish broadcast journalist.
Isla in Pop Culture
- Isla Black Hitchens: A character in the extended Harry Potter universe (the pure-blood family tree).
- Isla: A character in the popular sitcom South Park.
- Isla Sorna & Isla Nublar: While not people, these are the famous islands from Jurassic Park, utilizing the Spanish word for Island.
FAQs About the Name Isla
Is Isla a Weird Name?
Isla may be uncommon and unique, but it is certainly not a weird name, especially to millions of Scots who frequently choose it for their own daughters.
Why Is Isla Such a Popular Name?
Lately, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of old, traditional names. Isla is no exception. The name has become increasingly popular over the last few years because of this renaissance.
Is Izzy a Nickname for Isla?
Though Izzy is more commonly a nickname for Isabella or Isabelle, it can certainly work as a nickname for Isla.
If you like how Izzy sounds as a nickname for your sweet little Isla, then use it! It will be special and unique.
Is Isla an Arabic Name?
Isla can sometimes be used as an Arabic girl name, but its origins are in Scotland, deriving from the island Islay.
Technically, to be Arabic, it would need to derive from an Arabic country, but since it does not, it is not considered an Arabic name.
Can Isla be short for Isabella?
While it is technically possible, Isla is almost always a standalone name. Isabella is typically shortened to Bella or Izzy. Using Isla as a nickname for Isabella might actually confuse people, as Isla has become such a strong, independent name in its own right.
What is the Spanish connection to the name Isla?
In the Spanish language, the word “isla” is the common noun for “island.” If you have Hispanic heritage, the name works beautifully as a nod to that language, but be aware that for native Spanish speakers, it is the equivalent of naming a child “Island” in English, it is a word first, and a name second.
Does the name Isla appear in the Bible?
No, the name Isla does not appear in the Bible. It is a topographical name of Scottish origin rather than a Hebrew or biblical name. However, it shares sounds with biblical names like Isaac or Isaiah, giving it a compatible feel with biblical sibling names.
Is the ‘s’ always silent in Isla?
Yes, in the context of the name derived from the Scottish island, the ‘s’ is always silent. Pronouncing the ‘s’ (Iz-la) is generally considered incorrect in the English-speaking world. However, in Spanish, the ‘s’ in the word isla is lightly pronounced.
Is Isla considered a royal name?
While not a traditional “throne” name like Elizabeth or Victoria, Isla has entered the royal fold. Isla Phillips is the great-granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II (daughter of Peter Phillips). This gives the name a modern, royal seal of approval without the weight of centuries of expectation.
