What does Ilisha mean and where does it come from?
Ilisha is a name with roots in Indian heritage, often derived from Hindu tradition. It is linked to the meaning 'one who is the light of God' and is a name that signifies brightness and illumination. While not widely known outside of Indian communities, it has seen increased use in diasporic populat
Cultural significance
Ilisha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of one who is the light of god.
Peak popularity
Reached #7480 in 1978 — currently #1695 in the US.
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Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ilisha?
Ilisha works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ilisha Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ilisha Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ilisha Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ilisha Claire
French influence · crisp
Ilisha Jane
Literary · strong
Ilisha Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ilisha right now?
Holding steady — currently #1695 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1695 | 505 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1700 | 485 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1705 | 455 | ▲ up 10655 · +7483% births |
| 1995 | #12360 | 6 | ▼ down 315 |
| 1990 | #12045 | 6 | ▼ down 3243 · -14% births |
| 1980 | #8802 | 7 | — |
The story of Ilisha
Ilisha is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. With 104 total births recorded, Ilisha remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8802 in 1980 to #1695 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ilisha in 1978:
Ilisha by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 25 | |
| 1980s ★ | 37 | |
| 1990s | 18 | |
| 2000s | 17 | |
| 2010s | 7 | |
💎Ilisha has only 104 total recorded births since 1974 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ilisha?
What names sound and feel like Ilisha?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ilisha also consider these
Common questions about the name Ilisha
What does the name Ilisha mean?
Ilisha means "One who is the light of God" — a name rooted in India 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 Ilisha?
Ilisha 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 Ilisha?
Ilisha originates from India tradition. India 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 Ilisha?
Ilisha is a three-syllable name pronounced IH1 L IH0 Z HH AA1. 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 Ilisha?
Ilisha pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar India heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.