A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ila since 1880
Babies named Ila per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1925, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ila's real moment was 1903.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 354 |
| 1890s | 1,006 |
| 1900s | 1,642 |
| 1910s | 3,942 |
| 1920s | 5,526 |
| 1930s | 3,539 |
| 1940s | 1,766 |
| 1950s | 1,033 |
| 1960s | 507 |
| 1970s | 282 |
| 1980s | 225 |
| 1990s | 240 |
| 2000s | 738 |
| 2010s | 1,853 |
| 2020s | 2,407 |
Meaning & origin
Ila is a short, melodic name that has been in use since at least 1880, when it first appeared in U.S. records. Its popularity peaked in 1903, and after a long decline, it has been rising again since 1992. In 2025, the name ranks 718th, with a frequency of 1 in 4,121. Ila has historic roots in the Midwest and Southwest, with top states including North Dakota, Iowa, and New Mexico. Its simple, vowel-heavy sound fits modern naming trends while retaining a vintage charm.
Ila is commonly considered a Hebrew name, sometimes associated with the Hebrew word 'elah' meaning 'oak tree' or a feminine form of Elah. Alternatively, it may be a variant of Lilah, from Hebrew 'lilith' meaning 'night' or 'screech owl'. The name appears in the Bible as a place name. In modern usage, Ila gained popularity in the late 19th century in the United States.
Where Ila is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Ila
Names that share Ila's style, for a brother or sister.
