It is a variant of Eileen, Anglicized form of Eibhlin. Eibhlin is an Irish form of both Aveline and Emeline. Aveline is an old French pet form of Avila or Avis, originally derived from the Germanic element 'av' which is of unknown meaning. However during medieval times the name became associated with Latin avis 'bird. Emeline is a feminine form of Emil, from the Roman family name Aemilius, which was derived from Latin 'aemulus' meaning 'rival'.