Ilia is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "hilia," which means "cheerful" or "joyous." The name was popularized by the ancient Greeks and has since been used throughout various cultures.
The name Ilia is often associated with the goddess Hilaria in Greek mythology. Hilaria was known for her laughter and joy, embodying the spirit of happiness and merriment. Thus, the name Ilia has become synonymous with happiness, positivity, and lightheartedness.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Ilia. In Russian literature, Ilia Repin was a famous painter in the 19th century who is known for his realistic portrayals of Russian life. His works are celebrated as some of the most important pieces of art from that period.
In more recent times, Ilia Volokh is an American law professor and blogger whose work has gained significant attention in the field of legal theory and practice. His contributions to the understanding of constitutional law have made him a prominent figure in academic circles.
The name Ilia continues to be popular today, used by parents who want their daughter's name to reflect positivity and joy. It is often seen as a unique yet approachable choice, offering a beautiful blend of Greek history and modern relevance.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Ilia has seen varied popularity over time in the United States. The earliest recorded birth of a child named Ilia was in 1912, with five occurrences. This number remained consistent until 1925 when it increased slightly to six births.
The popularity of the name Ilia started to fluctuate more significantly from the 1950s onwards. In 1954, there were only five recorded births, but this number doubled to nine in 1956 and remained at that level until 1958. The late 1950s and early 1960s saw a pattern of varying popularity, with numbers ranging from five to ten births per year.
A notable spike occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with a peak of 43 births in 1980. This was followed by a decline but remained relatively high compared to previous decades, with numbers between eight and 29 births per year until 1985.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw another increase in popularity, with the highest number of Ilia births (14) recorded in both 1989 and 1990. This trend continued into the mid-1990s, with numbers ranging from five to thirteen births per year until 2005.
From 2006 onwards, there has been a steady increase in the popularity of the name Ilia. The highest number of recorded births was in 2023, with seventeen occurrences. This indicates that the name Ilia is currently more popular than it has been since at least the early 1980s.
In total, over the time period spanning from 1912 to 2023, there have been 773 recorded births of children named Ilia in the United States. This shows that while the name may not have consistently high popularity, it has maintained a steady presence throughout the century.