What does Ilija mean and where does it come from?
Ilija is a name of Slavic origin derived from the Hebrew name Elijah (אֵלִיָּהוּ). It is often popular in South Slavic countries, particularly among Orthodox Christians. The name has various forms in different languages, including Elias in Greek and Elijah in English. In Serbian and Croatian, it is
Cultural significance
Ilija has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Serbia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #5584 in 1971 — currently #9226 in the US.
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Related Reading
Serbia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ilija?
Ilija works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ilija Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ilija Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ilija Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ilija Claire
French influence · crisp
Ilija Jane
Literary · strong
Ilija Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ilija right now?
Rising fast — up 977 spots — currently #9226 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #9226 | 8 | ▲ up 977 · +14% births |
| 2022 | #10203 | 7 | ▼ down 1779 · -22% births |
| 2021 | #8424 | 9 | ▲ up 431 · +13% births |
| 2020 | #8855 | 8 | ▲ up 2081 · +33% births |
| 2015 | #10936 | 6 | ▲ up 1699 · +20% births |
| 2010 | #12635 | 5 | ▼ down 734 |
| 2005 | #11901 | 5 | ▼ down 5140 · -29% births |
| 1990 | #6761 | 7 | — |
The story of Ilija
Ilija is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1971. With 135 total births recorded, Ilija remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6761 in 1990, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9226 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ilija in 1971:
Ilija by decade
Ilija peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 18 | |
| 2000s ★ | 53 | |
| 2010s | 51 | |
| 2020s | 8 | |
💎Ilija has only 135 total recorded births since 1971 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ilija?
BULGARIAN
IlianaIlinaIliyana
What names sound and feel like Ilija?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ilija also consider these
How is Ilija written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Ilija?
Common questions about the name Ilija
What does the name Ilija mean?
Ilija means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Serbia 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 Ilija?
Ilija is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Ilija?
Ilija originates from Serbia tradition. Serbia names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Ilija?
Ilija pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Serbia heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Ilija a common or rare name?
Ilija is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.