Ilana

“oak tree”

Hebrew origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#2293US 2023

80Births / yr

↓Falling

5.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 194600.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Ilana

il·AH·nuh

/ˌɪl.ˈɑ.nə/ · stress on AH · 3 syllables

“oak tree”

Hebrew origin · Girl name

What does Ilana mean and where does it come from?

Ilana is a name of Hebrew origin, spelled אילנה, which means 'oak tree', symbolizing strength and endurance. In Spanish, it is sometimes interpreted as representing a calming presence. The name is common in Israel and also enjoys popularity in the Jewish diaspora. Figures like Ilana Kral, a notable

Cultural significance

Ilana has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.

Peak popularity

Reached #1187 in 1987 — currently #2293 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Ilana?

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

Ilana Grace

How popular is Ilana right now?

Falling — down 78 spots — currently #2293 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1955–2023#2293 · Top 1.7%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#2293	80	▼ down 78 · -6% births
2022	#2215	85	▼ down 363 · -21% births
2021	#1852	108	▲ up 374 · +35% births
2020	#2226	80	▲ up 33 · -4% births
2015	#2259	83	▼ down 52 · -6% births
2010	#2207	88	▼ down 531 · -26% births
2005	#1676	119	▼ down 139 · +1% births
2000	#1537	118	▼ down 152 · -1% births
1995	#1385	119	▼ down 81 · -5% births
1990	#1304	125	▲ up 40 · +28% births
1985	#1344	98	▲ up 180 · +26% births
1980	#1524	78	▲ up 71 · +26% births
1975	#1595	62	▲ up 549 · +63% births
1970	#2144	38	▲ up 377 · +58% births
1965	#2521	24	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ilana

Best Year1990Rank #1304

Peak Count125

Average Rank#2093

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1955 - 202317 years

The story of Ilana

Ilana entered American naming records in 1946 and has been in use for over 78 years. With 5,250 total births recorded, Ilana remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4308 in 1955 to #2293 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ilana in 1987:

Jessica Ashley Amanda Jennifer Sarah

Ilana by decade

Ilana peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1940s	12
1950s	63
1960s	261
1970s	579
1980s	1,032
1990s ★	1,211
2000s	1,148
2010s	864
2020s	80

💎With 5,250 total births, Ilana is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Ilana?

Common

IlaIlIlieIly

Famous people named Ilana

Ilana (historical community leader)

Ilana led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

Ilana (historical community leader)

Ilana led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Ilana?

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

Iljana

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Illana

Hebrew · Tree

Ilaha

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Dilana

Hebrew · delicate, tender

Gilana

Hebrew · wave, fountain

How is Ilana written in other languages?

אִילָנָה

Hebrew

What are the boy versions of Ilana?

Ilan HEBREW

Common questions about the name Ilana

What does the name Ilana mean?

Ilana means "Hebrew" — 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 Ilana?

Ilana is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Ilana?

Ilana 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 Ilana?

Ilana is a three-syllable name pronounced IH2 L AA1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Ilana?

Ilana pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.