MallowbyNames

Illeana

il-ee-AH-nuh · Of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of Iliana or Elena, meaning 'light' or 'torch'.

Peak popularity
2005
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2005

Declining since 2005.

Popularity of Illeana since 1927

Babies named Illeana per year in U.S. Social Security records.

11233419602000Most births 2005Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1920s5
1930s0
1940s0
1950s0
1960s5
1970s0
1980s0
1990s58
2000s195
2010s100
2020s21

Meaning & origin

Illeana is a feminine name of Greek origin, likely a variant of Iliana or a form of Helen. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1927, but never reached the top 1,000. Its peak came in 2005, after which usage has steadily declined. The name offers a melodic alternative to more common Elena or Eliana variants, with a distinctive spelling that sets it apart. Despite its rarity, Illeana maintains a classic feel through its connection to the enduring Helen.

Illeana is primarily a variant of Iliana, which itself derives from the Greek name Helenē, meaning 'torch' or 'light'. It is also influenced by the Romanian name Ileana, a form of Helen. The name has been used in various European cultures, though its exact origins are debated. In modern times, Illeana gained visibility in the United States from the 1920s onward, with a peak in 2005.

Illeana” around the world

Where Illeana lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    5

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Illy, Ana, Lee

Variants: Iliana, Ileana, Eliana

Sibling names for Illeana

Names that share Illeana's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

I is for Illeana, our favorite little girl.

I is for Illeana…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Illeana's letter becomes Illeana's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Illeana's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Illeana mean?
Illeana is of uncertain origin, but it is commonly considered a variant of Iliana or Elena, meaning 'light' or 'torch'.
How popular is the name Illeana currently?
Illeana has not ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. names in recent years. It peaked in popularity in 2005.
Is Illeana a boy's or girl's name?
Illeana is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.