Isla

Often associated with Scotland through place-name tradition (notably the River Isla and the island Islay).

Isla is a feminine given name that has become very popular in modern English-language use. It’s commonly associated with Scotland through place-name tradition, and many references point to Scottish geography such as the River Isla and the island Islay as part of how the name is understood today. From an etymology standpoint, Isla is usually treated as a name influenced by Scottish place names, though the exact historical pathway from place to personal name can differ by source. Because it overlaps with familiar-looking spellings in other languages, it’s a good example of a name where context and local pronunciation matter. In English, the most common pronunciation is EYE-luh (two syllables). A practical tip is to anticipate occasional misreadings and to clarify “EYE-luh” the first time you introduce it, especially in multilingual settings.

Etymology: Commonly linked to Scottish place names; some references connect it to Isla/Islay in Scotland, though exact historical pathways vary.