Declining since 1990, #3,167 for girls today.
Popularity of Ileana since 1918
Babies named Ileana per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 110 |
| 1930s | 38 |
| 1940s | 27 |
| 1950s | 182 |
| 1960s | 547 |
| 1970s | 505 |
| 1980s | 687 |
| 1990s | 1,232 |
| 2000s | 931 |
| 2010s | 876 |
| 2020s | 477 |
Meaning & origin
Ileana, a romantic and elegant name, has a steady but modest presence in the United States. First recorded in 1918, it saw its peak popularity in 1991 and has since experienced a gradual decline, consistent with the trajectory of similar classic feminine names. Currently ranking 3,167th, it is given to about 1 in 32,145 newborns. The name is most prevalent in Texas, reflecting its popularity among Hispanic communities. While not common, Ileana offers a distinctive alternative to more popular variants like Elena or Iliana. Its cross-cultural usage in Romanian, Spanish, and Italian contexts gives it a broad appeal, and its soft sound pairs well with many sibling names.
Ileana is a variant of Helen or Elena, ultimately derived from the Greek name Helenē. It has been used in Romania, Spain, Italy, and other Romance-language cultures. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world through literary and cultural influences, including the character Ileana in George Bernard Shaw's play 'Arms and the Man' (1894).
Where Ileana 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.
“Ileana” around the world
Where Ileana lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Leana, Lena, Ilea, Ana
Sibling names for Ileana
Names that share Ileana's style, for a brother or sister.
