Girl name · Scottish
Isla
“island; from the river Islay”
Vibes
Explore Isla further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Isla — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Isla is Scottish — from the river and island of Islay in the Hebrides — pronounced EYE-la, with the silent s adding a whisper of secret to every introduction.
Barely used in America before 2008, Isla rode actress Isla Fisher and the British charts into the US top 50, holding forty-first place in 2024.
The name is sea-mist and short vowels — geography turned lullaby. It pairs well with longer middles (Isla Genevieve, Isla Margaret) for balance. Vibe-wise it is Nature-Inspired shoreline with Soft & Dreamy fog rolling in.
More Scottish names
Isla sits in our Scottish set — these share its roots.
All Scottish names →Isla — common questions
Is Isla a boy or girl name?
Isla is traditionally a girl name of Scottish origin. It ranked #28 among US girls' names in 2025.
What does the name Isla mean?
Isla means “island; from the river Islay” of Scottish origin. Isla is Scottish — from the river and island of Islay in the Hebrides — pronounced EYE-la, with the silent s adding a whisper of secret to every introduction.
Where does the name Isla come from?
Isla is Scottish in origin. Barely used in America before 2008, Isla rode actress Isla Fisher and the British charts into the US top 50, holding forty-first place in 2024.
How popular is Isla?
Isla ranked #28 in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which puts it solidly in everyday use.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Isla you might want for the nursery.