Ilja
“God is my salvation — from Elijah”
Slavic origin · Unisex name
#1546US 2023
10Births / yr
→Stable
Top 1.1%Percentile
What does Ilja mean and where does it come from?
Ilja is a Slavic variant of the name Elijah, which has Hebrew origins.
Cultural significance
Ilja is commonly used in various Slavic countries, often associated with religious and cultural traditions.
Peak popularity
Reached #1546 in 2015 — currently #1546 in the US.
How else can you spell Ilja?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Ilja?
Ilja works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ilja Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Ilja John
One syllable · timeless choice
Ilja Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Ilja Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Ilja Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Ilja Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Ilja right now?
Holding steady — currently #1546 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
Ilja is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.
Famous people named Ilja
IR
Ilja Repin
A prominent Russian realist painter known for his historical and genre paintings.
IK
Ilja Kovalchuk
A professional ice hockey player from Russia, known for his time in the NHL.
What names sound and feel like Ilja?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ilja also consider these
Common questions about the name Ilja
What does the name Ilja mean?
Ilja means "God is my salvation — from Elijah" — a name rooted in Slavic 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 Ilja?
Ilja is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Ilja?
Ilja originates from Slavic tradition. Slavic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Ilja a common or rare name?
Ilja is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Ilja more of a girl or boy name?
Ilja is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.
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