Declining since 1994, #3,903 for girls today.
Popularity of Ilse since 1914
Babies named Ilse per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 45 |
| 1920s | 66 |
| 1930s | 98 |
| 1940s | 27 |
| 1950s | 66 |
| 1960s | 84 |
| 1970s | 56 |
| 1980s | 160 |
| 1990s | 720 |
| 2000s | 527 |
| 2010s | 337 |
| 2020s | 215 |
Meaning & origin
Ilse is a classic German and Dutch short form of Elisabeth, carrying the profound meaning 'God is my oath.' In the United States, it was first recorded in 1914 and reached its peak rank of #3903 in 1994, with a frequency of 1 in 43,440 births that year. Since then, its usage has been steadily declining, reflecting broader trends away from traditional European names. The name is most prevalent in Arizona, Texas, and California, suggesting some concentration among communities with German or Dutch heritage. For parents seeking a distinctive yet culturally anchored name, Ilse offers a unique alternative to more common Elisabeth derivatives, though its declining trajectory suggests it remains a rare choice.
Ilse is a German and Dutch short form of Elisabeth, which derives from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath.' The name became established in Germanic-speaking Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly in the Low Countries and northern Germany. It gained popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries as an independent given name, sometimes associated with the Ilse River in the Harz mountains through Romantic literature.
Where Ilse is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ili
Variants: Ilze
Sibling names for Ilse
Names that share Ilse's style, for a brother or sister.
