Aisling (name)

Aisling is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It derives from the Irish word aislinge or aisling, meaning "dream" or "vision."

The name gained popularity in Ireland during the 20th century, reflecting a broader cultural revival and interest in Irish mythology and heritage. In Irish literature, particularly poetry, an aisling (also spelled aislinge) is a poetic genre featuring a vision or dream, typically of a beautiful woman representing Ireland, who laments the country's plight and prophesies its future liberation. While the name itself predates the specific literary form, the popularity of the aisling poetry likely contributed to its adoption as a given name.

The name Aisling is often associated with qualities such as beauty, grace, and a connection to Irish heritage. Variations in spelling may include Aislinn, Ashling, and Ashlynn, though the pronunciation generally remains similar.