A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ilo since 1888
Babies named Ilo per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ilo's real moment was 1899.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 11 | 0 |
| 1890s | 64 | 0 |
| 1900s | 92 | 0 |
| 1910s | 191 | 10 |
| 1920s | 212 | 0 |
| 1930s | 103 | 5 |
| 1940s | 20 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 | 0 |
| 2010s | 6 | 16 |
| 2020s | 13 | 36 |
Meaning & origin
Ilo is a rare and distinctive name with a soft, two-syllable sound. Its earliest recorded US usage dates to 1888, and it reached a peak in popularity in 1899. After a long period of obscurity, the name has been rising in use since 2022, reflecting a modern revival of vintage names. While its exact origins are uncertain, it may be tied to Finnish or Hungarian roots. Its recent trajectory suggests a growing appeal among parents seeking uncommon names with a brief historical footprint.
Ilo is a name of uncertain origin. It may derive from Finnish 'ilo' meaning 'joy', or serve as a short form of Hungarian Ilona (a variant of Helen). In English-speaking countries, it has been used as a rare given name since the late 19th century, sometimes as a unisex choice. The name saw modest use in the United States in the 1890s and has recently experienced a revival.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Iloa
Sibling names for Ilo
Names that share Ilo's style, for a brother or sister.
