Isla
Meaning: Island — serene beauty surrounded by water
Origin: Scottish — from the Isle of Islay off the west coast of Scotland; related to the Spanish isla (island)
Gender: Girl
Rank in United Kingdom: #24
Total births: 51,846
History: Isla has been cherished in English and Welsh families for generations. It evokes the mystery of Stonehenge and the ancient legends of King Arthur. It captures the optimism of a new generation of children in England and Wales.
Explore more at British Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from the United Kingdom’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2024) | #4 |
| Babies named Isla in 2024 | 2,056 |
| Total recorded in the United Kingdom | 51,846 |
| Peak year | 2014 (4,012 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #3 |
| Years in records | 1996–2024 (29 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 1 spot |
Frequently asked about Isla
What does the name Isla mean?
Isla means “Island — serene beauty surrounded by water” from Scottish — from the Isle of Islay off the west coast of Scotland; related to the Spanish isla (island) roots.
What is the origin of the name Isla?
Isla has Scottish — from the Isle of Islay off the west coast of Scotland; related to the Spanish isla (island) origin. The traditional meaning is “Island — serene beauty surrounded by water”.
How popular is Isla in the United Kingdom?
Isla ranked #4 in the United Kingdom in 2024 — given to 2,056 babies that year.
When was Isla most popular?
Isla peaked in 2014 with 4,012 babies registered that year in the United Kingdom.
Is Isla a boy or girl name?
Isla is predominantly a girls' name in the United Kingdom — over 90% of Islas in registered births are female.
How long has Isla been recorded in the United Kingdom?
Isla appears in birth records in the United Kingdom across 29 years — from 1996 through 2024.