What does Ilsa mean and where does it come from?
Ilsa is a German name that is a diminutive of Elizabeth, meaning 'God is my oath'. It has gained popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly due to its association with characters in films and literature. A notable character bearing this name was Ilsa Lund, portrayed by Ingrid Bergman in
Cultural significance
Ilsa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of noble.
Peak popularity
Reached #2761 in 1944 — currently #5622 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Ilsa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Ilsa?
Ilsa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ilsa Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Ilsa Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Ilsa Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Ilsa Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Ilsa Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Ilsa Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Ilsa right now?
Rising fast — up 4213 spots — currently #5622 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5622 | 22 | ▲ up 4213 · +120% births |
| 2024 | #9835 | 10 | ▼ down 1177 · -17% births |
| 2023 | #8658 | 12 | ▼ down 1247 · -20% births |
| 2022 | #7411 | 15 | ▲ up 366 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #7777 | 14 | ▼ down 1157 · -18% births |
| 2020 | #6620 | 17 | ▲ up 4367 · +89% births |
| 2015 | #10987 | 9 | ▼ down 5357 · -62% births |
| 2010 | #5630 | 24 | ▲ up 1242 · +41% births |
| 2005 | #6872 | 17 | ▲ up 6549 · +183% births |
| 2000 | #13421 | 6 | ▼ down 5201 · -40% births |
| 1995 | #8220 | 10 | ▲ up 1395 · +67% births |
| 1985 | #9615 | 6 | ▼ down 1203 · -14% births |
| 1980 | #8412 | 7 | ▼ down 3451 · -42% births |
| 1975 | #4961 | 12 | ▲ up 1083 · +50% births |
| 1970 | #6044 | 8 | — |
The story of Ilsa
Ilsa entered American naming records in 1943 and has been in use for over 81 years. With 844 total births recorded, Ilsa remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5149 in 1945, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8658 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ilsa in 1944:
Ilsa by decade
Ilsa peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 35 | |
| 1950s | 36 | |
| 1960s | 88 | |
| 1970s | 79 | |
| 1980s | 85 | |
| 1990s | 120 | |
| 2000s | 179 | |
| 2010s ★ | 205 | |
| 2020s | 49 | |
💎Ilsa has only 844 total recorded births since 1943 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ilsa?
ENGLISH
LeannaLianaLilliaLisetteLysette
Famous people named Ilsa
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Ilsa (German philosopher)
Ilsa used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
I(
Ilsa (Scandinavian royal)
Ilsa held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
I(
Ilsa (Norse explorer)
Ilsa carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
I(
Ilsa (Germanic saint)
Ilsa spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Ilsa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ilsa also consider these
How is Ilsa written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Ilsa
What does the name Ilsa mean?
Ilsa means "Noble" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Ilsa?
Ilsa 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 Ilsa?
Ilsa originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Ilsa?
Ilsa is a two-syllable name pronounced ILS-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ilsa a common or rare name?
Ilsa is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.