Everyone knows at least one person with this name that peaked in usage in the early eighties, before gradually decreasing in popularity over the decades.
While Lily, Éabha and Fiadh made the cut for baby girls last year, the top ten names have changed dramatically with some once beloved names ending up towards the bottom half of the charts.
Once such name that we think deserves a comeback didn’t even make it into the top 100 last year, nevermind achieving its former position in the top three as it had in 1984.
Without further ado, that name is Lisa, which had a firm place in the hearts of parents across Ireland until it began decreasing in use in by the time the millenium had rolled around.
A shortened version of the Greek name Elisabeth, Lisa means ‘God’s promise’, and you’ll have definitely bumped into one or two Lisas in your life.
Popularity
According to the CSO, Lisa has appeared on Irish charts since records began in 1964, ranking in the 222nd spot that year.
With 666 babies being given the name during its peak in 1984, which earned it its prime third place position, it wasn’t until 2001 before Lisa slipped out of the top 50.
Over the next two decades it would decline even more in use, ranking in at the 200th spot in 2010 with 30 babies born. In 2025, Lisa was only used eight times, falling to the 443rd spot on the list last year.
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Famous Lisas
- Lisa Hannigan – Irish singer
- Lisa Simpson – Fictional character from "The Simpsons"
- Lisa – K-Pop star
- Lisa Kudrow – American actress
- Lisa Marie Presley – Daughter of Elvis Presley
What do you think of the name Lisa? Do you think it deserves a return to the spotlight?
*This article was originally published on RollerCoaster.ie.
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