Illona

“light”

Hungary origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1286US 2023

914Births / yr

→Stable

251All-time births

📅 Since 194000

How to pronounce Illona

IL·un·AH

/ˈɪl.ən.ˈɑ/ · stress on IL · 3 syllables

“light”

Hungary origin · Girl name

What does Illona mean and where does it come from?

Illona is a variant of the name Ilona, which is widely used in Hungary and as well as in Poland. It is derived from the Hungarian word 'ilona', which means 'light' or 'torch'. The name has been known since the 19th century, with notable figures such as Hungarian actress Ilona Staller, also known as

Cultural significance

Illona has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hungary-speaking communities, where it reflects values of light.

Peak popularity

Reached #1966 in 1946 — currently #1286 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Illona?

Illona works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Illona Grace

How popular is Illona right now?

Holding steady — currently #1286 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1940–2023#1286 · Top 0.95%

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1970

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1286	914	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1291	894	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1296	864	▲ up 7112 · +17180% births
1970	#8408	5	▼ down 1580
1960	#6828	5	▼ down 1229 · -17% births
1955	#5599	6	▼ down 2707 · -57% births
1950	#2892	14	▲ up 8 · +27% births
1945	#2900	11	▲ up 2082 · +120% births
1940	#4982	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Illona

Best Year2023Rank #1286

Peak Count914

Average Rank#3942

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1940 - 20239 years

The story of Illona

Illona entered American naming records in 1940 and has been in use for over 84 years. With 251 total births recorded, Illona remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4982 in 1940 to #1286 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Illona in 1946:

Mary Linda Patricia Barbara Carol

Illona by decade

Illona peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

Decade	Births
1940s ★	129
1950s	96
1960s	16
1970s	10

💎Illona has only 251 total recorded births since 1940 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Illona?

Common

IllOna

What names sound and feel like Illona?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Illona also consider these

American · desiring peace

Illenna

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Poland · gift from God

Idona

Scotland · Scottish Gaelic

Common questions about the name Illona

What does the name Illona mean?

Illona means "light" — a name rooted in Hungary 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 Illona?

Illona 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 Illona?

Illona originates from Hungary tradition. Hungary 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 Illona?

Illona is a three-syllable name pronounced IH1 L AH0 N 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 Illona?

Illona pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hungary heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.