Rising since 2014, #11,932 for girls today.
Popularity of Iliyana since 2005
Babies named Iliyana per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2009, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Iliyana's real moment was 2021.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 39 |
| 2010s | 61 |
| 2020s | 43 |
Meaning & origin
Iliyana is a rare and melodious name that first appeared in U.S. records in 2005. As of 2025, it ranks 11,932 with approximately 1 in 229,610 newborn girls receiving the name. Its popularity has been on a gradual upward trajectory since 2014, reaching a peak in 2021. The name's spelling and sound suggest Bulgarian or Slavic roots, possibly connected to Iliana or Aeliana. Though still uncommon, Iliyana fits within a modern trend of elaborate, vowel-rich names. Its lack of top state concentrations reflects its scattered, infrequent use. Parents drawn to distinctive names with a lyrical Eastern European flair may find Iliyana appealing.
Iliyana is likely a Bulgarian feminine name, possibly derived from the Latin name Aeliana (feminine of Aelianus, meaning 'sun') or a variant of Iliana, which itself may originate from the Greek helios ('sun') or the Hebrew Eliyana ('God has answered'). The name entered U.S. records in 2005, reflecting a broader trend of Slavic names gaining modest popularity in English-speaking countries.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ili, Yana, Lili
Sibling names for Iliyana
Names that share Iliyana's style, for a brother or sister.
