Isla is one of the most popular baby names in the UK, ranked #4 in 2024. With 2,056 babies given this name, your child will likely be the only Isla in their class — but in a school of 600, expect around ~1.1 others.
Origin & Meaning
Scottish — Island; from the Scottish isle of Islay
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UK Rank 2024
#4
US Rank #35
About the Name Isla
Isla is holding steady in the rankings at #4. It reached its peak of #3 in 2014 and has maintained consistent levels since — the hallmark of a name with lasting rather than trend-driven appeal. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996. It has featured in the UK top 100 for 19 years, demonstrating solid mainstream recognition.
Etymologically, Isla comes from Scottish, where it means "Island; from the Scottish isle of Islay". Names with strong etymological stories tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles.
Isla is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
In the US it sits at #35 — notably more popular in the UK than across the Atlantic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Isla
Probably not in their specific class, but possible. With around 2,056 UK babies named Isla per year, your child will likely be the only Isla in her class. In a school of 600, however, expect to find around ~1.1 others.
Isla has held a stable position around #4 for several years. It reached its recorded peak of #3 in 2014 and has maintained consistent levels since — suggesting lasting rather than trend-driven appeal.
The name Isla has Scottish origins and means "Island; from the Scottish isle of Islay". Names with clear etymological roots tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles and give children a story to tell about their name.
Notable people named Isla include: Pablo Isla — Pablo Isla Álvarez de Tejera is a Spanish businessman and a civil service lawyer who was chairman and CEO of Inditex, a Spanish corporation and the world's...; Isla Blair — Isla Blair Glover is a British actress and singer..
Isla ranks #35 in the US (2024), making it comfortably inside the American top 100. It's well-liked on both sides of the Atlantic.
2,056
UK babies named Isla (2024)
~0.1
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~1.1
In a school of 600
→ Stable
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Isla
Likely around 1 other Isla in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Isla
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Pablo Isla Álvarez de Tejera is a Spanish businessman and a civil service lawyer who was chairman and CEO of Inditex, a Spanish corporation and the world's largest fashion group, from 2005 to 2022.
Isla Blair Glover is a British actress and singer. She made her first stage appearance in 1963 as Philia in the London debut of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.