Ilia is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "hilia," which means "cheerful" or "joyous." The name was popularized by the ancient Greeks and has since been used throughout various cultures.
The name Ilia is often associated with the goddess Hilaria in Greek mythology. Hilaria was known for her laughter and joy, embodying the spirit of happiness and merriment. Thus, the name Ilia has become synonymous with happiness, positivity, and lightheartedness.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Ilia. In Russian literature, Ilia Repin was a famous painter in the 19th century who is known for his realistic portrayals of Russian life. His works are celebrated as some of the most important pieces of art from that period.
In more recent times, Ilia Volokh is an American law professor and blogger whose work has gained significant attention in the field of legal theory and practice. His contributions to the understanding of constitutional law have made him a prominent figure in academic circles.
The name Ilia continues to be popular today, used by parents who want their daughter's name to reflect positivity and joy. It is often seen as a unique yet approachable choice, offering a beautiful blend of Greek history and modern relevance.
The name Ilia experienced fluctuating popularity over the past century with a significant peak in recent years. From just five births annually between 1912 and 1931, there was a noticeable increase starting from 1954, reaching double digits for the first time in 1965 with ten births. This trend continued intermittently until 1970s, with peaks in 1973 (nine births) and 1978 (thirteen births). The name's popularity surged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with a high of forty-three births in 1980. After a decline in the mid-1980s, Ilia rebounded in the late 1980s to early 1990s, with several years exceeding ten births. From 2000 onwards, the name's popularity has remained consistently high, with most years seeing double-digit numbers of births. The highest recent peak was in 2017 with twenty-three births. Overall, there were a total of 773 births named Ilia between 1912 and 2023.