Ilse Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: IL-suh /ˈɪl.zə/
Origin: German; Dutch
Meaning: German: pledged to God; Dutch: noble
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Ilse is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German name "Ishild," which is composed of the elements "ish" meaning "ice" and "hild" meaning "battle." This name evolved through various linguistic stages, transitioning into the Middle High German form "Ilse" before being adopted into modern German and subsequently into English. The name entered the English language primarily through the influence of German literature and culture, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, when many German names were introduced to English-speaking populations.
Historically, the name Ilse has been associated with various literary and cultural figures, particularly in German folklore and literature. One notable reference is the character Ilse from the German fairy tale "Ilse, the Beautiful," which was popularized in the 19th century.
Additionally, the name has been borne by several notable figures in history, including Ilse Koch, a controversial figure during World War II, and Ilse von Stach, a prominent German botanist in the early 20th century. The name has also appeared in various works of literature, contributing to its recognition and cultural significance.
Culturally, the name Ilse carries connotations of strength and resilience, reflecting its roots in the meanings of its components. The name has been embraced in various forms across different cultures, often retaining its original essence while adapting to local linguistic nuances.
Diminutive forms such as "Illy" or "Isi" have also emerged, showcasing the name's versatility and endearing qualities. Overall, Ilse remains a name with deep historical roots and cultural resonance, symbolizing both beauty and strength.
Famous people named Ilse
Fictional characters named Ilse
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Ilse was first seen in the United States in 1914. Ilse has ranked as high as #1144 nationally, which occurred in 1993, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Arizona, Illinois, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Ilse has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Ilse (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 8 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1914 | 10 |
| 1915 | 9 |
| 1916 | 8 |
| 1917 | 6 |
| 1918 | 12 |
| 1922 | 8 |
| 1924 | 10 |
| 1926 | 10 |
| 1927 | 15 |
| 1928 | 7 |
| 1929 | 16 |
| 1930 | 23 |
| 1931 | 9 |
| 1932 | 10 |
| 1933 | 9 |
| 1934 | 7 |
| 1935 | 7 |
| 1936 | 14 |
| 1937 | 5 |
| 1938 | 5 |
| 1939 | 9 |
| 1943 | 5 |
| 1944 | 5 |
| 1945 | 6 |
| 1949 | 11 |
| 1951 | 5 |
| 1952 | 5 |
| 1953 | 12 |
| 1954 | 9 |
| 1955 | 7 |
| 1956 | 6 |
| 1957 | 10 |
| 1958 | 7 |
| 1959 | 5 |
| 1960 | 8 |
| 1961 | 11 |
| 1962 | 9 |
| 1964 | 10 |
| 1965 | 14 |
| 1966 | 8 |
| 1967 | 7 |
| 1968 | 7 |
| 1969 | 10 |
| 1970 | 11 |
| 1971 | 8 |
| 1972 | 9 |
| 1974 | 6 |
| 1975 | 7 |
| 1977 | 7 |
| 1978 | 8 |
| 1980 | 9 |
| 1981 | 7 |
| 1982 | 6 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1987 | 24 |
| 1988 | 41 |
| 1989 | 36 |
| 1990 | 50 |
| 1991 | 77 |
| 1992 | 48 |
| 1993 | 103 |
| 1994 | 103 |
| 1995 | 72 |
| 1996 | 67 |
| 1997 | 76 |
| 1998 | 75 |
| 1999 | 49 |
| 2000 | 50 |
| 2001 | 48 |
| 2002 | 54 |
| 2003 | 63 |
| 2004 | 39 |
| 2005 | 70 |
| 2006 | 52 |
| 2007 | 44 |
| 2008 | 55 |
| 2009 | 52 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 43 |
| 2012 | 33 |
| 2013 | 31 |
| 2014 | 40 |
| 2015 | 33 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2017 | 29 |
| 2018 | 31 |
| 2019 | 32 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 35 |
| 2022 | 56 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 27 |