Ilse is a feminine given name of German origin. The name is derived from the Old High German words "il" meaning "ice" and "sīn" meaning "victory". Therefore, Ilse can be interpreted as meaning "victory over ice".
The name Ilse was quite popular in Germany during the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. It has been used less frequently since then but remains a beloved classic choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name.
There are several notable figures with the name Ilse, such as German poet and novelist Ilse Aichinger and Austrian actress Ilse Steppacher. These individuals have contributed to making the name Ilse more recognizable and cherished over time.
In literature, the name Ilse can be found in works like "The Neverending Story" by Michael Ende, where she is a character named Ylse. This further adds to its cultural significance and appeal.
Overall, the name Ilse offers a beautiful blend of meaning, history, and uniqueness that makes it an attractive choice for parents seeking a special name for their daughter.
Based on the provided statistics, we can analyze and discuss the popularity of the name Ilse over time in the United States.
From the early to mid-1900s, there were fluctuations in the number of newborn girls named Ilse each year. The highest number of births was recorded in 1936 with 14 babies named Ilse. However, the numbers steadily declined from the late 1950s onwards until the early 1980s.
Interestingly, the trend began to reverse in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with a significant increase in popularity. In 1987, there were 24 births, which rose to 77 in 1991. The years 1993 and 1994 saw an impressive 103 births each year, indicating that Ilse was regaining favor as a popular name choice.
This trend continued throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, with around 50 to 70 births per year. However, from the mid-2000s onwards, there has been another decline in popularity, although it remains more consistent than the earlier period, hovering between 30 to 50 births annually.
In recent years, up until 2022, the number of newborn girls named Ilse has fluctuated slightly but generally remained steady. However, with 56 births recorded in 2022 and 28 in 2023, it appears that Ilse's popularity may be waning again.
In conclusion, over the past century, the name Ilse has experienced periods of both popularity and decline in the United States. Its peak was reached during the late 1980s to early 1990s, but since then, its popularity has gradually decreased. Despite this, Ilse remains a unique and distinct name choice for newborn girls today.