How to say it
PAIS · ley
ˈpeɪz.li
Feminine
Paisley
From Paisley, Scotland
What it means
A place name from Paisley in Renfrewshire, Scotland (the etymology of the town is uncertain). Best known as the swirling teardrop fabric pattern, named for the town where the shawls were woven in the 19th century.
Paisley is named for the town of Paisley in Renfrewshire, Scotland, whose own etymology is unclear (some link it to Latin basilica or Old English passa-lēah, neither certain). In the 19th century, Paisley became one of Europe's main centers for weaving the curling teardrop-shaped fabric patterns the British imported from Kashmir; the pattern took the town's name. The first-name usage is recent and overwhelmingly American: Paisley entered the US top 100 in 2014, often given by country-music-influenced families (Brad Paisley the country singer gave it modern visibility). Pais and Paige are rare shorts.
How to spell Paisley
The standard spelling is Paisley. Common variants include Paislee, Paizley, but Paisley is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #45 in 2015, currently #67 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Pop culture
Brad Paisley is the dominant English-language anchor (Paisley as surname); the fabric pattern is the older reference for parents over forty.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Brad Paisley American country singer (Paisley as surname)
Spelling variants
- Paislee
- Paizley
Names with the same feeling
See Paisley from another angle
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Paisley mean?
- A place name from Paisley in Renfrewshire, Scotland (the etymology of the town is uncertain). Best known as the swirling teardrop fabric pattern, named for the town where the shawls were woven in the 19th century.
- What does Paisley mean in Scottish Gaelic?
- In Scottish Gaelic, Paisley means "From Paisley, Scotland." Paisley is named for the town of Paisley in Renfrewshire, Scotland, whose own etymology is unclear (some link it to Latin basilica or Old English passa-lēah, neither certain). In the 19th century, Paisley became one of Europe's main centers for weaving the curling teardrop-shaped fabric patterns the British imported from Kashmir; the pattern took the town's name. The first-name usage is recent and overwhelmingly American: Paisley entered the US top 100 in 2014, often given by country-music-influenced families (Brad Paisley the country singer gave it modern visibility). Pais and Paige are rare shorts.
- How do you pronounce Paisley?
- Paisley is pronounced ˈpeɪz.li. Say it as PAIS-ley, with the stress on the "pais" syllable.
- How do you spell Paisley?
- The standard spelling is Paisley. Common spelling variants include Paislee, Paizley.
- Is Paisley a boy or girl name?
- Paisley is traditionally a feminine name.
- How popular is the name Paisley?
- Paisley ranked #67 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.