Illona is a beautiful and unique name of Slavic origin, specifically from Poland and other Eastern European countries. It is derived from the male name Iliasz, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Elijah. The name Iliasz was popular among Polish nobility during the Middle Ages, and it is believed that Illona emerged as a feminine form of this name.
The meaning of Illona is associated with its Hebrew roots, where Elijah translates to "The Lord is my God." Therefore, Illona can be interpreted as "Devoted to God" or "God is my Lord."
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Illona. One of the most famous was Illona Elek, a Hungarian actress and singer who gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s for her performances in various stage productions and films. Her talent and contributions to Hungarian theater have solidified Illona as an iconic name in her native country.
Today, Illona remains a unique and elegant choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughters. Its Slavic origins give it a distinct and exotic sound, while its Hebrew roots provide a profound and meaningful association. Overall, Illona is a beautiful name with a rich history and deep significance.
The name Illona has been given to a total of 251 baby girls in the United States over the past eight decades, with fluctuations in its popularity throughout the years.
In the early 1940s, Illona was a relatively uncommon name, with only five births recorded in 1940. However, it began to gain traction in the following years, reaching double digits by 1942 with thirteen births. The name's popularity peaked during this decade, with twenty births recorded in both 1943 and 1947.
The 1950s saw Illona's popularity dip once again, but it remained relatively steady throughout the decade, with an average of fifteen births per year from 1951 to 1956. After a brief spike in popularity in 1953 and 1954, the name's usage fell significantly in the latter half of the decade.
The 1960s and early 1970s saw Illona being given to five baby girls each year on average, indicating that it had fallen out of favor among parents. Despite this decline, the name has remained a part of American naming trends, albeit in small numbers.
Overall, while Illona may not have been one of the most popular names in the United States during these years, its consistent appearance in birth records demonstrates that it has held some level of appeal for parents seeking unique and distinctive baby girl names.