Declining since 1996, #2,485 for girls today.
Popularity of Ilana since 1946
Babies named Ilana per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 12 |
| 1950s | 63 |
| 1960s | 264 |
| 1970s | 580 |
| 1980s | 1,032 |
| 1990s | 1,211 |
| 2000s | 1,148 |
| 2010s | 868 |
| 2020s | 500 |
Meaning & origin
Ilana is a name with multiple possible origins, most commonly linked to the Hebrew word for 'tree' via the masculine Ilan. Its use in the United States dates back to at least 1946, but it saw its peak popularity in 1997. After that year, its usage began a steady decline, and as of 2025, it ranked 2,485, with approximately 1 in every 22,638 newborn girls receiving the name. The name has been most concentrated in New York, Pennsylvania, and California, reflecting its appeal in diverse, multicultural areas. Despite its moderate ranking, Ilana remains a recognizable and melodic choice, appreciated for its cross-cultural resonance and simple elegance.
Ilana is a feminine name of Hebrew origin, where it is derived from the word 'ilan' meaning 'tree'. It is also used as a variant of the Irish name Elaine or the Greek Helene, meaning 'torch' or 'bright one'. The name has seen use in Jewish communities as well as among families with Irish or Greek heritage.
Where Ilana 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.
“Ilana” around the world
Where Ilana lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
30
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ila, Lana, Lani
Sibling names for Ilana
Names that share Ilana's style, for a brother or sister.
