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.
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Related Reading
Finland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Ilma Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ilma Claire
French influence · crisp
Ilma Jane
Literary · strong
Ilma Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ilma right now?
Rising fast — up 2112 spots — currently #10629 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Ilma by decade
| 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
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.