The name Ila possesses a delicate beauty and a rich history, making it a captivating choice for a baby girl. This article delves into the popularity of Ila, exploring its historical trends and offering insight into names with similar sounds and origins. If you’re considering Ila for your little one, here’s everything you need to know.
(Image of the name Ila, as provided in the original article)
Ila Name Popularity: A Century of Trends
How popular is the name Ila? The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides comprehensive data on name popularity in the United States, allowing us to trace Ila’s journey through the decades. Let’s examine the data to understand its ebb and flow in popularity.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 275 | 155 | 0.044% |
| 1911 | 254 | 194 | 0.0521% |
| 1912 | 268 | 238 | 0.0472% |
| 1913 | 281 | 245 | 0.0432% |
| 1914 | 263 | 343 | 0.0492% |
| 1915 | 279 | 412 | 0.0453% |
| 1916 | 266 | 484 | 0.0501% |
| 1917 | 273 | 466 | 0.0466% |
| 1918 | 263 | 540 | 0.0503% |
| 1919 | 267 | 527 | 0.0503% |
| 1920 | 273 | 539 | 0.0485% |
| 1921 | 261 | 600 | 0.0524% |
| 1922 | 264 | 564 | 0.0506% |
| 1923 | 282 | 495 | 0.0442% |
| 1924 | 270 | 554 | 0.0477% |
| 1925 | 260 | 617 | 0.0546% |
| 1926 | 300 | 452 | 0.0411% |
| 1927 | 287 | 500 | 0.0452% |
| 1928 | 281 | 499 | 0.0466% |
| 1929 | 290 | 467 | 0.0451% |
| 1930 | 308 | 418 | 0.04% |
| 1931 | 304 | 400 | 0.0405% |
| 1932 | 300 | 403 | 0.0408% |
| 1933 | 318 | 344 | 0.0369% |
| 1934 | 323 | 336 | 0.0348% |
| 1935 | 354 | 280 | 0.0288% |
| 1936 | 358 | 266 | 0.0276% |
| 1937 | 360 | 276 | 0.028% |
| 1938 | 389 | 250 | 0.0244% |
| 1939 | 441 | 189 | 0.0186% |
| 1940 | 469 | 162 | 0.0152% |
| 1941 | 479 | 164 | 0.0146% |
| 1942 | 488 | 184 | 0.0146% |
| 1943 | 568 | 131 | 0.01% |
| 1944 | 560 | 121 | 0.0098% |
| 1945 | 633 | 90 | 0.0074% |
| 1946 | 711 | 84 | 0.0057% |
| 1947 | 634 | 127 | 0.0076% |
| 1948 | 747 | 83 | 0.0052% |
| 1949 | 913 | 52 | 0.0032% |
| 1950 | 780 | 81 | 0.005% |
| 1951 | 1015 | 41 | 0.0024% |
| 1952 | 779 | 87 | 0.005% |
| 1953 | 848 | 74 | 0.0042% |
| 1954 | 1417 | 16 | 0.0009% |
| 1955 | 1375 | 19 | 0.001% |
| 1956 | 1334 | 23 | 0.0012% |
| 1957 | 1135 | 43 | 0.0022% |
| 1958 | 1315 | 27 | 0.0014% |
| 1959 | 1596 | 15 | 0.0008% |
| 1960 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1961 | 1592 | 17 | 0.0009% |
| 1962 | 1817 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 1963 | 2286 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1964 | 2047 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1965 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1966 | 1963 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 1967 | 1988 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 1968 | 2123 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1969 | 2589 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1970 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1971 | 2346 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1972 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1973 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1974 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1975 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1976 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1977 | 2954 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1978 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1979 | 2221 | 11 | 0.0008% |
| 1980 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1981 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1982 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1983 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1984 | 2578 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1985 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1986 | 3395 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1987 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1988 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1989 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1990 | 3673 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1991 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1992 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1993 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1994 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1995 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1996 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1997 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1998 | 3587 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1999 | 2896 | 10 | 0.0007% |
| 2000 | 3070 | 9 | 0.0006% |
| 2001 | 2847 | 12 | 0.0008% |
| 2002 | 3327 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 2003 | 2973 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 2004 | 2954 | 12 | 0.0008% |
| 2005 | 2588 | 19 | 0.0012% |
| 2006 | 2234 | 31 | 0.002% |
| 2007 | 2125 | 36 | 0.0023% |
| 2008 | 1856 | 51 | 0.0033% |
| 2009 | 1904 | 46 | 0.0031% |
| 2010 | 1344 | 106 | 0.0074% |
| 2011 | 1619 | 65 | 0.0046% |
| 2012 | 1374 | 97 | 0.0068% |
| 2013 | 1428 | 85 | 0.006% |
| 2014 | 1199 | 129 | 0.0089% |
| 2015 | 1092 | 157 | 0.0108% |
| 2016 | 1164 | 134 | 0.0093% |
| 2017 | 1012 | 177 | 0.0127% |
| 2018 | 1141 | 126 | 0.0092% |
| 2019 | 943 | 195 | 0.0144% |
| 2020 | 899 | 238 | 0.0187% |
| 2021 | 735 | 319 | 0.0261% |
| 2022 | 689 | 383 | 0.029% |
| 2023 | 607 | 453 | 0.035% |
As the table shows, the name Ila experienced relatively higher popularity in the early 20th century, specifically between 1910 and the late 1920s. It then saw a decline, reaching very low usage in the latter half of the 20th century. However, the data reveals a resurgence in recent years, with a noticeable increase in popularity starting around 2010 and continuing into the 2020s. This suggests a renewed interest in the name, possibly driven by its simplicity and classic charm.
Meaning and Origins of Ila
While the provided data focuses on popularity, exploring the meaning and origins of the name Ila adds another layer of understanding. The name Ila has multiple origins and meanings, depending on the cultural context.
- Sanskrit Origin: In Sanskrit, Ila (इला) signifies "earth," "speech," or "eloquence." In Hindu mythology, Ila is a gender-bending deity who is sometimes male and sometimes female, adding a layer of mystique and fluidity to the name. This connection to the earth and communication gives the name a grounded yet expressive quality.
- Hebrew Origin: Ila is also considered to have Hebrew roots, meaning "tree." This connects the name to nature and symbolizes strength, growth, and resilience.
- Scottish Origin: Related to the name Isla, it can also be linked to the Scottish island of Islay.
The varied origins and meanings contribute to Ila‘s appeal, allowing parents to choose the interpretation that resonates most with them.
Names Like Ila: Exploring Alternatives
If you appreciate the sound and feel of Ila but are looking for alternatives, several names offer similar qualities.
Variants of Ila:
- Eila: A Hebrew name meaning "tree," similar to one of Ila’s meanings.
- Ilanis & Ilanys: French names meaning "island."
- Isla: A Scottish name also meaning "island," becoming increasingly popular.
Names that sound like Ila:
- Ala: A German name meaning "noble, exalted."
- Ela: A Hebrew name meaning "tree; other, foreign."
- Illa: A Hebrew name meaning "tree."
- Iola: A Greek name meaning "violet-colored dawn."
- Ola: A Scandinavian name meaning "ancestor’s relic."
- Ula: A Spanish name meaning "wealthy; gem of the sea; sacred red."
Similar Names:
- Ilene: A modern name.
Conclusion
The name Ila is more than just a pretty sound; it’s a name with history, meaning, and a growing presence in modern naming trends. Its varied origins, ranging from Sanskrit to Hebrew to Scottish, provide a rich tapestry of interpretations. Whether you’re drawn to its connection to the earth, its symbolism of strength, or its melodic sound, Ila offers a unique and timeless choice for your baby girl. By understanding its popularity and exploring similar names, you can confidently decide if Ila is the perfect fit for your family. Remember to consult the SSA data for the most up-to-date ranking information as naming trends are constantly evolving.