The town was historically famous for its production of shawls featuring a distinctive intricate pattern. These shawls became known as "Paisley shawls" and the pattern itself came to be called "paisley" in English.
While the exact origin of the pattern is debated, it's believed to have been inspired by Persian designs brought back by European traders. The intricate teardrop-shaped motif, often described as a " buta" or "boteh," was a common element in Persian art.
So, the name "paisley" for the pattern simply reflects the location where it was famously produced and popularized.