What does Ilissa mean and where does it come from?
Ilissa is derived from the Greek name 'Ilissos', referring to a river in Athens. The name has connotations of brightness and illumination associated with the moon, making it a unique choice among names. Its Hebrew variant, איליסה, suggests a divine aspect, enhancing its appeal as a name for those wi
Cultural significance
Ilissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #4124 in 1986 — currently #1503 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Ilissa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Ilissa?
Ilissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ilissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ilissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ilissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ilissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Ilissa Jane
Literary · strong
Ilissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ilissa right now?
Holding steady — currently #1503 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1503 | 697 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1508 | 677 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1513 | 647 | ▲ up 14010 · +12840% births |
| 2000 | #15523 | 5 | ▼ down 7204 · -50% births |
| 1995 | #8319 | 10 | ▼ down 3151 · -44% births |
| 1990 | #5168 | 18 | ▲ up 2089 · +100% births |
| 1985 | #7257 | 9 | ▲ up 2403 · +50% births |
| 1980 | #9660 | 6 | ▼ down 811 · +20% births |
| 1970 | #8849 | 5 | — |
The story of Ilissa
Ilissa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1967. With 249 total births recorded, Ilissa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8849 in 1970 to #1503 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ilissa in 1986:
Ilissa by decade
Ilissa peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 6 | |
| 1970s | 36 | |
| 1980s ★ | 102 | |
| 1990s | 87 | |
| 2000s | 18 | |
💎Ilissa has only 249 total recorded births since 1967 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ilissa?
What names sound and feel like Ilissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ilissa also consider these
Common questions about the name Ilissa
What does the name Ilissa mean?
Ilissa means "Greek" — a name rooted in Greece 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 Ilissa?
Ilissa 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 Ilissa?
Ilissa originates from Greece tradition. Greece 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 Ilissa?
Ilissa is a three-syllable name pronounced IH1 L IH1 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 Ilissa?
Ilissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.