Find out how popular the first name Ilka has been for the last 24 years (from 1975 to 1998) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ilka by gender

Based on the last 24 years of data, Ilka is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1998, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ilka.

The history of the first name Ilka

The name Ilka is a feminine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German word "Hilka," which means "little saint" or "little consecrated one." It is a diminutive form of the name Hilda or Hildegard.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Ilka can be traced back to medieval Germany, where it was primarily used in the regions of Bavaria and Saxony. It gained popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly among the nobility and upper classes.

One of the earliest known historical figures to bear the name Ilka was Ilka von Leiningen, a German noblewoman who lived in the 13th century. She was the daughter of Count Friedrich III von Leiningen and played a significant role in the politics of her time.

In the 14th century, Ilka von Oettingen, a German abbess and member of the noble Oettingen family, was a prominent figure in the religious and cultural life of her era. She served as the abbess of the Kloster Kirchheim convent and was renowned for her wisdom and leadership.

During the Renaissance, Ilka Bredow, a German painter and engraver, gained recognition for her artistic talent and contributions to the arts. She was born in 1574 and her works were highly regarded among the cultural elite of her time.

In the 19th century, Ilka Küntzel, a German writer and journalist, made a name for herself through her literary works and contributions to various publications. She was born in 1842 and her writings often focused on social and political issues of her era.

Ilka Grüning, a German actress and singer, was a celebrated performer in the early 20th century. Born in 1876, she graced the stages of theaters across Germany and gained popularity for her roles in both plays and operettas.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Ilka. While the name has its roots in Germanic culture, it has since spread to various parts of the world and continues to be used as a given name in various cultural contexts.

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 Ilka was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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