Find out how popular the first name Ilyan has been for the last 18 years (from 2007 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ilyan by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Ilyan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 17 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ilyan.

The history of the first name Ilyan

The name Ilyan has its roots in the ancient Indo-European linguistic tradition, with origins traceable to the Proto-Indo-Iranian language family. This name is believed to have emerged around the 2nd millennium BCE, during the formative years of the Indo-Aryan civilization that flourished in the Indian subcontinent.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ilyan can be found in the Vedic literature, specifically the Rigveda, one of the oldest extant texts in the world. In these sacred scriptures, the name appears as a reference to a minor deity associated with the worship of the sun.

As the Indo-Aryan culture spread across the Indian subcontinent, the name Ilyan gained popularity among various regional and linguistic groups. It is believed that the name may have derived from the Sanskrit word "ilā," which translates to "earth" or "soil," suggesting a connection to the natural world and fertility.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Ilyan. One of the earliest recorded individuals was Ilyan the Wise, a renowned philosopher and scholar who lived in the 4th century BCE in the ancient kingdom of Gandhara, located in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. His teachings on ethics and morality were widely disseminated and influenced subsequent thinkers in the region.

Another prominent figure was Ilyan the Scribe, a renowned calligrapher and illuminator who lived in the 8th century CE during the Golden Age of Islamic civilization. His exquisite manuscripts and intricate calligraphic works adorned the libraries and palaces of the Abbasid Caliphate and are regarded as masterpieces of Islamic art.

In the 12th century CE, Ilyan the Architect was a renowned master builder who designed and oversaw the construction of several iconic mosques and madrasas (Islamic educational institutions) in the cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, located in present-day Uzbekistan. His innovative architectural techniques and intricate geometric patterns have left an indelible mark on the region's cultural heritage.

During the Mughal period in India, which spanned from the 16th to the 19th century, the name Ilyan gained further prominence. One notable figure was Ilyan Khan, a skilled military commander who served under the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great. His bravery and strategic acumen were celebrated in various chronicles and literary works of the time.

In more recent history, Ilyan Nuri was a renowned Kurdish poet and activist who lived in the early 20th century. Born in 1892 in the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey), he dedicated his life to promoting Kurdish language and culture through his powerful poetry and advocacy efforts. His works continue to inspire generations of Kurdish writers and intellectuals.

It is worth noting that while the name Ilyan has a rich historical legacy, its modern usage and popularity may vary across different regions and cultures. Nevertheless, its ancient origins and the remarkable individuals who have borne this name throughout history continue to imbue it with a sense of enduring significance 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 Ilyan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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