Ila
Ila is a girl name of Sanskrit origin meaning “Earth, speech”, pronounced EE-lah. It ranked #718 in the United States in 2025, given to 390 babies, and peaked at #237 in 1903. Common nicknames: Illy, Lala.
How popular is Ila in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Ila mean, and where does it come from?
Ila is a Sanskrit name meaning earth, and also speech or offering; in the Hindu tradition Ila is a figure who changes sex, ancestor of the lunar dynasty, which gives the name an unusual place in Indian myth. It is a common name in India and Bangladesh. Separately it is an old American name — the records run from 1880, and it stood at 237th in 1903, when it functioned as a short form of names like Ilene. Both threads are now feeding its revival, which has been climbing for a decade.
How is Ila used around the world?
Ila is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Ila?
Famous People Named Ila
- Ila Arun — Indian actress and folk singer
- Ila Mitra — Bengali revolutionary and activist
- Ila Arab Mehta — Gujarati novelist
Similar Names to Ila
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Sibling Name Ideas for Ila
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ila mean?
Ila is a girl name of Sanskrit origin meaning "Earth, speech." Ila is a Sanskrit name meaning earth, and also speech or offering; in the Hindu tradition Ila is a figure who changes sex, ancestor of the lunar dynasty, which gives the name an unusual place in Indian myth. It is a common name in India and Bangladesh.
How do you pronounce Ila?
Ila is pronounced EE-lah. Common variations include Ilaa, Eila, Illa.
Is Ila a girl name?
Yes, Ila is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Illy, Lala.