Ilse

Ilse is a short form of the biblical girl's name Elisabeth and is used in both German and Dutch. The meaning of the name is 'God is fullness' or 'God is perfection'. Particularly at the beginning of the 20th century, Ilse was a widely used name in Germany.

What does the name Ilse mean?

As a short form of Elisabeth, Ilse has its roots in German and Dutch. The name means 'God is fullness' or 'God is perfection'. In Germany, Ilse was one of the most sought-after first names in the early 1900s but lost popularity starting in the 1940s. Today, Ilse is rarely chosen, in contrast to related names like Else and Elsa. Other derived forms of Elisabeth include Elisa, Elise, Eliza, Elyse, Ilsa, Isa, Liese, and Lisa.

Where does the name Ilse come from?

The first name Ilse derives as a short form of Elisabeth and has its origins in the Hebrew name Elischeba. This is composed of the ancient Hebrew elements el, meaning 'God', and scheba, meaning 'happiness' or 'perfection'.

How do you pronounce Ilse?

The pronunciation of Ilse is clear and two-syllable. In the German language, the name is usually pronounced as 'Il-se' [ˈɪlzə], with the consonant cluster in the center creating the characteristic sound. The gentle fading on '-se' provides a harmonious balance. Ilse radiates a down-to-earth and traditional character – she appears calm, factual, and present.

When is the name day of Ilse?

The most important name day for Ilse is September 23.

Popularity

As early as the late 19th century, Ilse was a popular first name in Germany and spent a long time in the upper range of the rankings. In the first decades of the 20th century, the name experienced a significant upward trend, temporarily leading it to the top of the birth lists. Ilse reached its historical peak in Germany at rank 1 and remained in the upper range of the rankings until the 1930s. After that, a noticeable decline began.

Nicknames & pet names

Ille / Ilsche / Ilschen / Ilsecen / Ilsli / Killse / Pilze

Famous people

• Ilse Aichinger (writer)
• Ilse Annoeska de Lange (singer from the Netherlands)
• Ilse Bernheimer (Austrian painter)
• Ilse Bing (photographer)
• Ilse DeLange (Dutch singer)
• Ilse Delange (singer from the Netherlands)
• Ilse Frapan (German writer)
• Ilse Geldhof (Belgian cyclist)
• Ilse Gramatzki (opera singer from Germany)
• Ilse Haider (British artist)
• Ilse Hangert (German writer)
• Ilse Haseder (German writer)
• Ilse Heller-Lazard (German painter)
• Ilse Hermann (character from Else Ury's 'Nesthäkchen')
• Ilse Jonas (German painter)
• Ilse Macket (character from 'Trotzkopf')
• Ilse Maria Olivo Schweinfurth (Mexican singer)
• Ilse Neubauer (actress)
• Ilse Pausin (Austrian figure skater)
• Ilse Rosenthal-Schneider (German physicist)