Ilana Girl

Popularity: #877 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ee-LAH-nah /iˈlɑːnə/

Origin: Hebrew; Spanish

Meaning: Hebrew: 'oak tree'; Spanish: 'light'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Ilana has its roots in Hebrew, derived from the word "ilan" (אִילָן), which means "tree." This etymological connection reflects the significance of trees in various cultures, symbolizing life, growth, and strength. The transition of the name into English can be traced through the Hebrew language, particularly as Jewish communities migrated and integrated into different cultures, bringing their names with them.

The name Ilana has been used in various forms in Hebrew literature and texts, emphasizing its deep cultural roots. Historically, the name Ilana does not have specific milestones like some other names, but it is often associated with Jewish heritage and tradition.

The Hebrew Bible, or Tanakh, contains numerous references to trees, which are often used metaphorically to convey themes of life and prosperity. The name's presence in Hebrew-speaking communities has been consistent, with its usage reflecting the continuity of Jewish identity through the centuries.

While there are no notable historical figures named Ilana, the name has been embraced in various cultural contexts, particularly in Israel, where it is commonly used. Culturally, the name Ilana resonates with themes of nature and femininity, often embodying the nurturing qualities associated with trees.

In Jewish tradition, trees are celebrated during the holiday of Tu Bishvat, which is known as the New Year for Trees, further enhancing the name's symbolic significance. The name may also have diminutive forms, such as Ilanit, which can convey affection and familiarity.

Overall, Ilana's etymological roots and cultural associations contribute to its enduring presence in various communities.

Famous people named Ilana

In this section, you will find notable people named Ilana. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Ilana who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Ilana who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Ilana Glazer is a comedian and actress best known for Broad City and The Night Before.

Ilana Kralj is a musician best known for her work with the band The Ilana Kralj Project.

Fictional characters named Ilana

The following list of fictional characters named Ilana is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.

You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.

Ilana is a fictional character from the animated television series The Legend of Korra. She is a skilled waterbender and a member of Team Avatar, playing a crucial role in the fight against various antagonists.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Ilana, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

ElianaTaliaMayaSofiaNaomiLeah

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Ilana. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

AlanaSelenaLianaArianaElenaIslaMinaZara

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Ilana was first seen in the United States in 1946.

Ilana has ranked as high as #2123 nationally, which occurred in 1992, and has been most popular in New York, California, New Jersey, Florida, and Illinois.

In the past 5 years the name Ilana has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Ilana is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Ilana was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Ilana.

Year Total Births Girl
2025 71 71
2024 74 74
2023 81 81
2022 85 85
2021 108 108
2020 81 81
2019 82 82
2018 77 77
2017 96 96
2016 89 89
2015 83 83
2014 92 92
2013 88 88
2012 75 75
2011 98 98
2010 88 88
2009 85 85
2008 109 109
2007 124 124
2006 129 129
2005 119 119
2004 127 127
2003 128 128
2002 101 101
2001 108 108
2000 118 118
1999 130 130
1998 116 116
1997 131 131
1996 125 125
1995 119 119
1994 116 116
1993 102 102
1992 135 135
1991 112 112
1990 125 125
1989 125 125
1988 119 119
1987 123 123
1986 112 112
1985 98 98
1984 91 91
1983 101 101
1982 88 88
1981 97 97
1980 78 78
1979 87 87
1978 85 85
1977 73 73
1976 61 61
1975 62 62
1974 59 59
1973 46 46
1972 31 31
1971 38 38
1970 38 38
1969 49 49
1968 30 30
1967 43 43
1966 28 28
1965 24 24
1964 21 21
1963 20 20
1962 16 16
1961 17 17
1960 16 16
1959 10 10
1958 10 10
1957 5 5
1956 6 6
1955 9 9
1953 9 9
1952 8 8
1951 6 6
1948 5 5
1946 7 7

Top States for Ilana (2024)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
TX 7
39%
FL 6
33%
NY 5
28%