Holding steady, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Ilija since 1971
Babies named Ilija per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 18 |
| 2000s | 53 |
| 2010s | 51 |
| 2020s | 50 |
Meaning & origin
Ilija is a Slavic form of the biblical name Elijah, carrying the meaning 'My God is Yahweh.' The name has been in consistent use in Slavic countries since the Christianization of the region, and it remains a strong cultural name in Serbia, Croatia, and elsewhere. In the United States, Ilija is quite rare: in 2025 it ranked 12,008, with about 1 in 341,615 male babies receiving the name. Its peak year was 2024, and the trajectory is stable, suggesting a steady but limited use. While no top states were recorded for the name, it likely appears in communities with Slavic heritage. Ilija offers parents a distinct yet traditional name with deep religious roots and a familiar sound.
Ilija is a Slavic form of the Hebrew name Elijah (Eliyahu), meaning 'My God is Yahweh.' The name was borne by the prophet Elijah in the Old Testament, a figure revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Slavic regions, the name was adopted early, especially among Orthodox Christians, and has been consistently used in countries like Serbia, Croatia, and Macedonia.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ile, Ilko
Sibling names for Ilija
Names that share Ilija's style, for a brother or sister.
