Ilma

“Means 'air' or 'breath'.”

Finland origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#10629US 2023

9Births / yr

↑Rising

379All-time births

📅 Since 188500

How to pronounce Ilma

ILM·AH

/ˈɪlm.ˈɑ/ · stress on ILM · 2 syllables

“Means 'air' or 'breath'.”

Finland origin · Girl name

What does Ilma mean and where does it come from?

Ilma is a name found primarily in Finland and has ties to other countries in Northern Europe. In Finnish, it signifies a strong connection to nature and the elements. The name's roots in the German language denote a protective quality, which is also applicable in an imaginative context. Ilma has a f

Cultural significance

Ilma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Finland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of means 'air' or 'breath'..

Peak popularity

Reached #1031 in 1885 — currently #10629 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Ilma?

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

Ilma Grace

How popular is Ilma right now?

Rising fast — up 2112 spots — currently #10629 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#10629 · Top 7.8%

1885

1895

1910

1915

1920

1925

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#10629	9	▲ up 2112 · +29% births
2022	#12741	7	▼ down 2148 · -22% births
2021	#10593	9	▲ up 2776 · +50% births
2020	#13369	6	▲ up 1124
2015	#14493	6	▼ down 10014
1925	#4479	6	▼ down 455 · -14% births
1920	#4024	7	▼ down 1733 · -46% births
1915	#2291	13	▲ up 184 · +160% births
1910	#2475	5	▼ down 1212 · -37% births
1895	#1263	8	▼ down 232 · +33% births
1885	#1031	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ilma

Best Year1915Rank #2291

Peak Count13

Average Rank#8344

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1910 - 20239 years

The story of Ilma

Ilma has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. With 379 total births recorded, Ilma remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1031 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10629 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ilma in 1885:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Margaret

Ilma by decade

Ilma peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	11
1890s	42
1900s	32
1910s ★	96
1920s	67
1930s	15
1950s	13
1960s	6
2000s	32
2010s	59
2020s	6

💎Ilma has only 379 total recorded births since 1885 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What names sound and feel like Ilma?

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

Jilma

Brazil · A beloved name

Gilma

Hebrew · a young girl

Ilmar

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Vilma

Latvia · Latin

Dilma

Brazil · the feminine form

Wilma

Germanic · will helmet (protection)

Bilma

Middle East · one who is

Rilma

American · Spanish

Common questions about the name Ilma

What does the name Ilma mean?

Ilma means "Means 'air' or 'breath'." — a name rooted in Finland 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 Ilma?

Ilma is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Ilma?

Ilma originates from Finland tradition. Finland 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 Ilma?

Ilma is a two-syllable name pronounced IH1 L M AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Ilma a common or rare name?

Ilma is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.