Ilai

“God is my light” — Represents a strong biblical connection

Hebrew origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#3077US 2023

40Births / yr

↑Rising

124All-time births

📅 Since 200500

How to pronounce Ilai

IL·EYE

/ˈɪl.ˈaɪ/ · stress on IL · 2 syllables

“God is my light”

Represents a strong biblical connection · Hebrew origin

What does Ilai mean and where does it come from?

The name Ilai (אִילָי) has Hebrew origins and is commonly used in Hebrew-speaking countries, particularly Israel. It represents a strong biblical connection, with the meaning emphasizing divine guidance and illumination. The name can be found in the biblical texts and is sometimes associated with va

Cultural significance

Ilai has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is my light.

Peak popularity

Reached #5510 in 2016 — currently #3077 in the US.

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How else can you spell Ilai?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Ilay

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Ilai?

Ilai works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Ilai Grace

How popular is Ilai right now?

Rising fast — up 413 spots — currently #3077 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2005–2023#3077 · Top 2.3%

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#3077	40	▲ up 413 · +21% births
2022	#3490	33	▲ up 3793 · +200% births
2021	#7283	11	▲ up 2884 · +57% births
2020	#10167	7	▼ down 3557 · -46% births
2015	#6610	13	▲ up 3936 · +86% births
2010	#10546	7	▼ down 455
2005	#10091	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ilai

Best Year2023Rank #3077

Peak Count40

Average Rank#7323

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2005 - 20237 years

The story of Ilai

Ilai is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2005. With 124 total births recorded, Ilai remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10091 in 2005 to #3077 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ilai in 2016:

Noah Liam William Mason James

Ilai by decade

Ilai peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
2000s	34
2010s ★	83
2020s	7

💎Ilai has only 124 total recorded births since 2005 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ilai?

Common

IlIlieIly

Famous people named Ilai

Ilai (historical figure)

Ilai bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Ilai?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ilai also consider these

Ilari

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Ilvi

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Ildi

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Common questions about the name Ilai

What does the name Ilai mean?

Ilai means "God is my light" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Ilai?

Ilai is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ilai have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Ilai?

Ilai originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Ilai?

Ilai is a two-syllable name pronounced IH1 L AY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Ilai trending right now?

Ilai is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.