A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ilah since 1891
Babies named Ilah per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2022, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ilah's real moment was 1907.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 74 |
| 1900s | 119 |
| 1910s | 273 |
| 1920s | 351 |
| 1930s | 149 |
| 1940s | 73 |
| 1950s | 36 |
| 1960s | 10 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 85 |
| 2010s | 270 |
| 2020s | 348 |
Meaning & origin
Ilah is a rare given name in the United States, with its first recorded use in 1891. The name peaked in popularity in 1907, and after a long period of obscurity, it has been slowly rising in use since 2003. In 2025, it ranked 3,028th overall, with an estimated 1 in 29,764 baby girls receiving the name. The name has appeared most often in Ohio and Texas, suggesting a regional preference. Ilah is likely a variant of the Sanskrit name Ila, meaning 'light' or 'pretty,' which appears in Hindu mythology. Its soft sound and multicultural resonance make it a distinctive choice for modern parents.
Ilah likely developed as a variant of the name Ila, which in Sanskrit means 'light' or 'pretty' and appears in Hindu mythology as the daughter of Manu and mother of the lunar dynasty. The name has seen occasional use in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States since the late 19th century, often chosen for its melodious sound and cross-cultural appeal.
Where Ilah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Ilah
Names that share Ilah's style, for a brother or sister.
