Jilissa first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Jilissa has been for the last 1 years (from 1989 to 1989) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Jilissa

A feminine name of uncertain origin and meaning.

Popularity of Jilissa by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Jilissa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1989, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Jilissa.

Year Male Count Female Count
1989 0 7

The history of the first name Jilissa

The name Jilissa has its origins in the ancient Sumerian language, one of the earliest known civilizations in Mesopotamia, dating back to around 3500 BCE. It is believed to be derived from the Sumerian words "jil" meaning "wind" and "issa" meaning "spirit" or "essence." The name's roots suggest a connection to the natural forces and spiritual realms revered by the Sumerian people.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jilissa can be found in a cuneiform tablet discovered in the ruins of the ancient city of Ur, which dates back to approximately 2300 BCE. This tablet mentions a woman named Jilissa, who was a priestess in the temple dedicated to the Sumerian goddess Inanna, the deity of love, beauty, and fertility.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Jilissa. In the 8th century BCE, Jilissa of Babylon was a renowned scholar and philosopher who wrote extensively on the subjects of astrology and the interpretation of dreams. Her works were widely studied and referenced by scholars across the ancient Near East.

During the Hellenistic period, around 300 BCE, there was a Greek poet named Jilissa of Thebes, whose lyrical compositions were admired for their vivid imagery and emotional depth. Unfortunately, only fragments of her poetry have survived to this day.

In the 5th century CE, Jilissa was the name of a Christian martyr who was executed in the city of Antioch for her unwavering faith. Her courage and devotion inspired many early Christians, and she was later canonized as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Another notable Jilissa was a 12th-century Persian mystic and Sufi poet, known for her profound spiritual insights and her mastery of the ghazal poetic form. Her works were widely circulated and studied by Sufi communities throughout the Middle East and Central Asia.

While the name Jilissa has ancient roots and a rich historical tapestry, it has remained relatively uncommon throughout the centuries. However, its unique blend of cultural influences and symbolic meanings has endured, making it a distinctive and evocative choice for those seeking a name with a deep connection to the past.

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

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

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"Jilissa first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 21, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/jilissa-meaning-and-history/.

"Jilissa first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/jilissa-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 21 May, 2025

Jilissa first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/jilissa-meaning-and-history/.

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