Holding steady, #13,208 for girls today.
Popularity of Idil since 1998
Babies named Idil per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2003, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Idil's real moment was 2017.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 66 |
| 2010s | 65 |
| 2020s | 35 |
Meaning & origin
Idil is a rare but distinctive name that entered U.S. records in 1998, reflecting its use among Somali-American families. Its peak popularity occurred in 2017, though it remains uncommon with a recent rank of 13,208 (approximately 1 in 267,878 girls per year). The trajectory is stable, suggesting steady but modest usage. While no single state dominates its occurrence, it is most often found in communities with significant Somali populations. Its meaning, 'precious' or 'virtuous,' aligns with common naming themes across many cultures, giving it a gentle, positive association. The name's rarity and melodic sound make it an appealing choice for parents seeking something unique yet meaningful.
The name Idil is most commonly associated with Somalia, where it is believed to derive from the Somali word meaning 'precious' or 'virtuous.' It has been used as a female given name since the 20th century, particularly among Somali communities in the Horn of Africa and the diaspora. Some sources suggest a possible connection to the Arabic name 'Adil' (meaning 'just'), but this is not widely accepted.
“Idil” around the world
Where Idil lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dee
Sibling names for Idil
Names that share Idil's style, for a brother or sister.
