Find out how popular the first name Ilija has been for the last 34 years (from 1990 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ilija by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Ilija is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ilija.

The history of the first name Ilija

The name Ilija originates from the Greek language and is derived from the Hebrew name Eliyahu, meaning "My God is Yahweh." It is the Slavic form of the name Elijah, which has its roots in the biblical figure Elijah, a prominent prophet in the Hebrew Bible and the Quran.

The earliest recorded instance of the name Ilija can be traced back to the Old Testament, where Elijah is portrayed as a courageous and faithful prophet who performed miracles and challenged the worship of Baal. The name gained significant religious and cultural significance within the Abrahamic faiths, particularly in Christianity and Islam.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Ilija. One of the most famous was Ilija Garašanin (1812-1874), a Serbian politician and the principal creator of the "Načertanije," a highly influential political manifesto that outlined Serbian nationalist aims in the Balkans.

Another prominent individual was Ilija Muromets (circa 1142-1203), a legendary Russian bogatyr (heroic warrior) celebrated in numerous epic byliny (oral folk tales) for his bravery, strength, and devotion to protecting the Russian lands.

In the 20th century, Ilija Petković (1945-2020) was a Serbian actor and playwright known for his performances in various films and television series, as well as his contributions to the theater.

Ilija Bozoljac (1783-1853) was a Serbian writer, scholar, and one of the first modern Serbian philologists, who played a significant role in the development of the modern Serbian literary language.

Ilija Tromović (1924-2001) was a Montenegrin Orthodox monk and one of the most respected spiritual leaders in Montenegro, renowned for his teachings and his dedication to preserving the country's cultural heritage.

The name Ilija has endured through various cultures and historical periods, carrying with it the rich symbolism and significance associated with the biblical prophet Elijah. Its widespread use across different regions and religions serves as a testament to the name's enduring legacy and cultural resonance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ilija was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ilija, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!