Meaning, origin, history
Ilan is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin meaning "tree." It was adopted as a personal name during the modern revival of Hebrew.
Meaning of the name Ilan
The name derives from the Hebrew word אִילָן (ilán), meaning "tree." Its etymology is generally traced to a Proto-Semitic root. In its original context, the term functioned as a common noun denoting trees or timber.
Origin of the name Ilan
The term functioned as a common noun in ancient Hebrew texts. Its adoption as a personal name occurred during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, coinciding with the revival of Hebrew as a spoken language.
History of the name Ilan
The term appears in Biblical Hebrew literature. As a given name, it gained usage gradually during the modern revival of Hebrew rather than originating from a specific historical figure or event.
Variants and related forms
The standard form is Ilan. Orthographic variations such as Illan or Ilán reflect transliteration conventions rather than distinct names. Cognate terms for "tree" exist in Aramaic and other Semitic languages, but they are not direct variants of the given name.
Cultural heritage
The term appears in classical Hebrew texts. In modern usage, it functions as a recognized personal name while retaining its original botanical meaning.
In numbers