Although the fig- or almond-like form is of Persian origin, its English name derives from the town of Paisley, in the West of Scotland, a centre for textiles where paisley designs were produced.
Selvom den figne- eller mandel-formede mønster stammer fra Persion, så kommer navnet fra byen Paisley, i det vestlige Skotland, der var centrum for tekstiler, hvor paisley-designet blev produceret.