Find out how popular the first name Ilyas has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ilyas by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Ilyas is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 153 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ilyas.

The history of the first name Ilyas

The name Ilyas has its origins in the Arabic language and culture, tracing back to the 7th century CE. It is derived from the Arabic root word "ʿIlya," which means "high" or "elevated." The name is a variant of the biblical name Elijah, which is derived from the Hebrew name "Eliyahu," meaning "my God is Yahweh."

Ilyas is a masculine name found in Islamic tradition and is widely used in the Arab world, as well as in regions with significant Muslim populations. It holds a significant place in Islamic history, as it is associated with the prophet Ilyas, who is revered as a messenger of God in the Quran and is often identified with the biblical figure Elijah.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Ilyas can be found in the Quran, where it is mentioned in various chapters, such as Surah Al-An'am and Surah Al-Saffat. In these chapters, Ilyas is described as a prophet sent to his people to guide them towards the worship of the one true God.

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Ilyas. One of the most prominent was Ilyas ibn Mudar al-Kindi, a renowned Arab philosopher, mathematician, and scientist who lived in the 9th century CE. He made significant contributions to the fields of physics, optics, and metaphysics, and his works influenced the development of Islamic philosophy.

Another notable figure was Ilyas Qadri, a Sufi saint and spiritual leader who lived in the 16th century CE in present-day Pakistan. He played a crucial role in spreading the teachings of Sufism and establishing a spiritual order known as the Qadri order, which has millions of followers worldwide.

In the realm of literature, Ilyas Khuri was a prominent Lebanese writer and poet of the 20th century. Born in 1913, he authored several novels and poetry collections that explored themes of identity, culture, and the human experience.

The name Ilyas has also been associated with religious figures and scholars throughout history. Ilyas al-Maliki was a renowned Islamic scholar and jurist who lived in the 12th century CE in present-day Morocco. He was known for his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and his influential works on the Maliki school of Islamic law.

Another notable bearer of the name was Ilyas ibn Yusuf, a Sufi mystic and spiritual leader who lived in the 11th century CE in present-day Turkey. He was the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order, which has had a significant impact on the spread of Sufism in Central Asia and various parts of the Muslim world.

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

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

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