What does Ilisa mean and where does it come from?
Ilisa is a name with indigenous roots among Native American communities, symbolizing femininity and strength. Its use in modern contexts is often tied to themes of empowerment and beauty. The name is more prevalent in the United States among families honoring Native heritage. It has continued to gai
Cultural significance
Ilisa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Native American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of she is a woman.
Peak popularity
Reached #3850 in 1964 — currently #1072 in the US.
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Related Reading
Native American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ilisa?
Ilisa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ilisa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ilisa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ilisa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ilisa Claire
French influence · crisp
Ilisa Jane
Literary · strong
Ilisa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ilisa right now?
Holding steady — currently #1072 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1072 | 1,128 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1077 | 1,108 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1082 | 1,078 | ▲ up 9886 · +13375% births |
| 2000 | #10968 | 8 | ▼ down 4824 |
| 1970 | #6144 | 8 | ▼ down 1983 · -27% births |
| 1965 | #4161 | 11 | — |
The story of Ilisa
Ilisa entered American naming records in 1956 and has been in use for over 68 years. With 175 total births recorded, Ilisa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4161 in 1965 to #1072 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ilisa in 1964:
Ilisa by decade
Ilisa peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 24 | |
| 1960s ★ | 85 | |
| 1970s | 43 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 2000s | 13 | |
| 2010s | 5 | |
💎Ilisa has only 175 total recorded births since 1956 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ilisa?
What names sound and feel like Ilisa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ilisa also consider these
Common questions about the name Ilisa
What does the name Ilisa mean?
Ilisa means "she is a woman" — a name rooted in Native American 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 Ilisa?
Ilisa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Ilisa?
Ilisa originates from Native American tradition. Native American 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 Ilisa?
Ilisa is a three-syllable name pronounced IH1 L IY1 S 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 Ilisa?
Ilisa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Native American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.