Paisley

Paisley comes from a Scottish town name and the surname associated with it. The place name is traditionally linked to a word for a church; “cemetery” also appears among its interpretations. Its best-known visual association, however, is the curved, ornamental paisley pattern. That design association is distinct from the older meaning of the place name.

For parents, Paisley can therefore be a place name, a family surname, or a name chosen for its textile connection. Country musician Brad Paisley provides another recognizable surname association. The usual English pronunciation is PAYZ-lee, with a voiced z sound in the middle. Spellings such as Paislee and Paisleigh keep a similar sound, but Paisley preserves the familiar spelling of the town and pattern.