Ila
Fact sheet
- Name
- Ila
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
The first name Ila is rooted in Hindu mythology and comes from an androgynous deity that shifts between genders. Translated, it means 'the lifeline' or 'the woman of the earth'.
What does the name Ila mean?
Ila is a female first name that originates from Hindu mythology and refers to an androgynous deity. The literal translation is 'the lifeline' or 'the woman of the earth'. This name has its roots in Sanskrit, derived from ilā (इला), which means 'river', 'stream', 'recreation', and 'vital'. Additionally, Ila is a Hungarian short form of Ilona. In mythology, Ila is considered the daughter of Manu and is also associated with water and the Scottish island Caol Ila.
Where does the name Ila come from?
The name Ila has its origins in Sanskrit and means 'the lifeline'. The etymology consists of ilā (इला), which means 'river', 'stream', 'recreation', and 'vital'. Old French île means 'island'. The name is common in Hindi and Indian languages.
How do you pronounce Ila?
The name Ila has a clear and pleasant pronunciation. It is two syllables and is generally pronounced as 'I-la' [ˈiːla]. The name begins with a long, bright 'i', which provides clarity, followed by an open '-la', which gently and warmly concludes the name. Ila sounds simple, light, and friendly – reduced yet expressive.
Popularity
In Germany, the first name Ila enjoys great popularity. Currently, it ranks 1,740th on the list of the most common female baby names. Its best placement was in 2023, reaching 1,538th. Over the last ten years, Ila has been given as a first name about 130 times, placing it 2,097th in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 2,491st.
Nicknames & pet names
Ilica / Illi
Similar first names
Famous people
- Ila Arun (Indian actress)
- Ila Beka (film director from Italy)
- Ila Borders (female baseball player from America)
- Ila Egger-Lienz (writer from Austria)
Frequently asked questions about the name Ila
What is the origin of the name Ila?
The name Ila has its roots in Sanskrit and means 'the lifeline'. It is common in Hindi and Indian languages and is also a Hungarian short form of Ilona.
What does the name Ila mean?
Ila means 'river', 'stream', 'recreation', and 'vital'. In Hindu mythology, Ila is also regarded as an androgynous being and the daughter of Manu.
How popular is the name Ila?
The popularity of the name Ila varies by region but is especially common in India and Hungary. In recent years, the name has also gained attention in other countries.