Iliya is a name of Bulgarian origin, derived from the ancient Slavic element "iliya," which means "lily." This name has a rich history and cultural significance in Bulgaria and other Slavic countries.
The name Iliya is often associated with St. Ilya, also known as Elijah, who is venerated as a prophet in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In Bulgarian culture, St. Ilya is celebrated on the day of his holy day, which falls on July 20th according to the Julian calendar.
In Bulgaria, Iliya has been a popular name for boys throughout history, with notable figures such as Iliya Petrov, a prominent Bulgarian painter, and Iliya Raynov, a famous revolutionary and politician. The name has also gained international recognition through figures like Iliya Kovalchuk, a Russian hockey player who played in the NHL.
Despite its Bulgarian origins, Iliya is not exclusive to Bulgaria or Slavic countries. It has been adopted by other cultures as well, with variations such as Ilias (Greece), Eliasz (Poland), and Elias (Scandinavian countries). This attests to the universality and appeal of this name across different languages and cultures.
In conclusion, Iliya is a name of Bulgarian origin that holds significant historical and cultural importance. With its beautiful meaning and rich history, it's no surprise that this name continues to be popular today.
The name Iliya has been used consistently but not very frequently for newborns in the United States over the past two and a half decades. From 1995 to 2022, there were a total of 176 babies named Iliya born in the US.
The popularity of the name varied from year to year. The highest number of births recorded in any given year was 14 in 2011, while the lowest was 5 in both 2018 and 2022. Interestingly, there were two notable spikes in popularity: one between 2007 and 2013, with a consistent average of around 10 births per year, and another more recent one starting from 2020, with 13 and 11 births respectively.
Despite these fluctuations, Iliya remains a unique and uncommon name in the United States. Its rarity might contribute to its distinctiveness, making it a memorable choice for parents looking for something different for their child's name.