Holding steady, #4,396 for boys today.
Popularity of Ilai since 2005
Babies named Ilai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 34 |
| 2010s | 83 |
| 2020s | 136 |
Meaning & origin
Ilai is a Hebrew name with ancient roots, appearing in the Bible as a warrior in King David's service. Since its first recorded U.S. use in 2005, it has remained a rare but steady choice, ranking 4,396 in 2025 with a frequency of 1 in 74,264 births. Its peak year in 2023 reflects a modest uptick in awareness, and the 2020s trajectory shows a stable pattern. The name is most popular in California and Texas, where large Jewish communities may contribute to its use. For parents seeking a name with biblical resonance that remains uncommon in the United States, Ilai offers a meaningful option.
Ilai is a Hebrew name derived from the root ע־ל־ה (ʿ-l-h), meaning "to ascend" or "to go up." It appears in the Hebrew Bible as the name of an Ahohite warrior in King David's elite guard (2 Samuel 23:28 and 1 Chronicles 11:29). The name has been used traditionally among Jewish communities and has seen modern revival in Israel and among diaspora families.
Where Ilai is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Ilai” around the world
Where Ilai lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ili, Lai
Variants: Elai
Sibling names for Ilai
Names that share Ilai's style, for a brother or sister.
