Ilona is a name of Hungarian origin, derived from the ancient Roman family name Ailiana, which was derived from the Latin word "ala" meaning wing. The name Ilona is often associated with the idea of flight and freedom.
The earliest recorded use of the name Ilona can be traced back to medieval Hungary, where it was a popular name among the nobility. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Queen consort Saint Ilona of Hungary (1040-1108), who was the wife of King Ladislaus I of Hungary and is revered as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Over time, the name Ilona has spread beyond its Hungarian origins and can now be found in various forms throughout Europe, including Jolanta in Poland, Yelena in Russia, and Elena in Italy. Despite these variations, the name remains closely associated with Hungary and its rich history.
In literature, Ilona appears as a character in several works, most notably in the novel "Ilona Comes with the Snow" by Hungarian author Ferenc Molnár. The name has also been used by several artists and musicians, including Hungarian singer Ilona Bogdányi and French actress Ilona Mitrecey.
Overall, Ilona is a name with a long and storied history that continues to captivate people around the world. Its unique origin and rich cultural heritage make it a popular choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Ilona has been given to a total of 3266 babies in the United States over the years, with varying popularity trends from decade to decade.
In the early 20th century, Ilona was quite popular, with an average of around 8 births per year between 1909 and 1927. The name reached its peak popularity during this period in 1927, when it was given to 19 babies. However, the popularity of Ilona began to decline steadily throughout the 1930s, with an average of only around 6 births per year.
The trend continued into the 1940s and 1950s, with Ilona being given to fewer than 50 babies per year on average. Despite this, there were a few notable spikes in popularity during these decades – for instance, in 1940, Ilona was given to 75 babies, and in 1946, it was given to 102.
The popularity of the name Ilona continued to fluctuate throughout the latter half of the 20th century. In the 1960s and 1970s, the name was given to around 30-40 babies per year on average. However, there were some years where it experienced a resurgence in popularity – for example, in 1967, Ilona was given to 43 babies.
In recent years, the name Ilona has seen a slight increase in popularity, with an average of around 25 births per year between 2000 and 2022. The most popular year for the name in this period was 2015, when it was given to 36 babies.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Ilona has fluctuated over the years, it remains a classic choice with a rich history in the United States.