Holding steady, #13,208 for girls today.
Popularity of Ilayda since 1997
Babies named Ilayda per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 83 |
| 2010s | 18 |
| 2020s | 28 |
Meaning & origin
Ilayda is a modern Turkish name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1997, reflecting a broader pattern of Turkish diaspora names entering American baby name lists. While it remains rare, ranking 13,208 in 2025 with about 1 in 267,878 girls receiving the name, Ilayda experienced a slight peak in the year 2000 as interest in Turkish names grew. The name's trajectory has remained stable, neither surging nor sharply declining, suggesting a steady if niche appeal. Its etymology is debated among Turkish sources, with some linking it to 'ılayda' (water fairy) and others seeing a compound of 'ay' (moon) and 'su' (water), but no consensus exists. Ilayda's gentle sound and cultural roots make it a distinctive choice for families wishing to honor Turkish heritage, though its rarity means it has not appeared in any U.S. top state rankings.
Ilayda is a modern Turkish name that emerged in the late 20th century. It is thought to be a variant of Ilda or Ilay, possibly influenced by the word 'ılayda' meaning 'water fairy' in Turkish folklore. The name gained popularity in Turkey and among Turkish diaspora communities, particularly in the 2000s.
“Ilayda” around the world
Where Ilayda 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: Ila, Layda, Ida
Sibling names for Ilayda
Names that share Ilayda's style, for a brother or sister.
