Ilse

“God is my oath”

Germanic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#4790US 2023

28Births / yr

↓Falling

2.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 191400.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Ilse

ILS

/ˈɪls/ · stress on ILS · 1 syllable

“God is my oath”

Germanic origin · Girl name

What does Ilse mean and where does it come from?

Ilse is a diminutive of the name Elisabeth, which has Hebrew origins (אֱלִישֶׁבַע) meaning 'God is my oath'. The name Ilse is most commonly used in Germany and the Netherlands. It reflects a tradition of using shorter forms of longer names, and it gained popularity in the early 20th century. Notable

Cultural significance

Ilse has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of german.

Peak popularity

Reached #1512 in 1994 — currently #4790 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Ilse?

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

Ilse Grace

How popular is Ilse right now?

Falling — down 1820 spots — currently #4790 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#4790 · Top 3.5%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#4790	28	▼ down 1820 · -50% births
2022	#2970	56	▲ up 1158 · +60% births
2021	#4128	35	▲ up 196 · +13% births
2020	#4324	31	▼ down 22 · -6% births
2015	#4302	33	▼ down 484 · -17% births
2010	#3818	40	▼ down 1335 · -43% births
2005	#2483	70	▲ up 423 · +43% births
2000	#2906	49	▼ down 984 · -32% births
1995	#1922	72	▲ up 520 · +44% births
1990	#2442	50	▲ up 4085 · +400% births
1985	#6527	10	▲ up 360 · +11% births
1980	#6887	9	▲ up 404 · +29% births
1975	#7291	7	▼ down 2464 · -36% births
1970	#4827	11	▼ down 1384 · -21% births
1965	#3443	14	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ilse

Best Year1930Rank #1695

Peak Count72

Average Rank#4071

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202321 years

The story of Ilse

Ilse entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 2,209 total births recorded, Ilse remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3096 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #4790 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ilse in 1994:

Jessica Ashley Emily Samantha Sarah

Ilse by decade

Ilse peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	45
1920s	66
1930s	98
1940s	27
1950s	61
1960s	84
1970s	56
1980s	160
1990s ★	719
2000s	526
2010s	336
2020s	31

💎With 2,209 total births, Ilse is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Ilse?

ENGLISH

LeannaLianaLilliaLisetteLysette

FRENCH

Lisette

ITALIAN

Liana

LIMBURGISH

Betje

Famous people named Ilse

Ilse (Scandinavian royal)

Ilse held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.

Ilse (Germanic saint)

Ilse spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.

Ilse (medieval German ruler)

Ilse bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.

Ilse (Norse explorer)

Ilse carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.

👑

Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Ilse?

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

American · God's promise

Ilsy

American · A beloved name

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Ilke

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

How is Ilse written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Ilse

What does the name Ilse mean?

Ilse means "German" — 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 Ilse?

Ilse 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 Ilse?

Ilse 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 Ilse?

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

How does Ilse sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Ilse flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Ilse ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.