Find out how popular the first name Illa has been for the last 40 years (from 1984 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Illa by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Illa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 15 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Illa.

The history of the first name Illa

The given name Illa has its origins in various cultures and languages across the globe. It is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word "ill", meaning "great" or "powerful". This name was commonly used in Scandinavia during the Viking era, particularly in Iceland and Norway.

In the ancient Sanskrit language, the name Illa is thought to be related to the word "illa", which means "earth" or "soil". This suggests that the name may have roots in Indian culture and mythology, potentially symbolizing a connection to the earth or nature.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Illa can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, a collection of literary works that date back to the 13th and 14th centuries. These sagas often featured characters with Norse names, including Illa.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Illa. One such person was Illa the Goth, a Gothic chieftain who lived in the 5th century AD and played a significant role in the overthrow of the Western Roman Empire.

Another prominent figure was Illa of Northumbria, a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon princess who was renowned for her piety and charitable works. She is recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church.

In the realm of literature, Illa was the name of a character in the epic poem "Paradise Lost" by John Milton, published in 1667. This fictional figure represented one of the fallen angels who rebelled against God.

Moving forward in time, Illa Burney was a British philanthropist and social reformer who lived from 1818 to 1889. She dedicated her life to improving the living conditions of the poor and advocating for women's rights.

More recently, Illa Ponomarev was a Russian-born American artist and sculptor who lived from 1899 to 1974. Her sculptures and works of art can be found in various museums and galleries across the United States.

While the name Illa has ancient roots and has been used across different cultures, it remains a relatively uncommon name in modern times. However, its historical significance and diverse origins make it a fascinating and unique choice for a given name.

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

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

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