Ilsa is a unique and beautiful name of German origin. It means "pledge" or "consecration," deriving from the Old Germanic word "ila." Historically, Ilsa has been used as both a given name and a surname in Germany.
The name Ilsa gained significant popularity during the Middle Ages in Germany, often bestowed upon girls born into noble families. Over time, it spread beyond German borders and can now be found among various cultures around the world.
In literature, one notable appearance of the name Ilsa is in "Casablanca," the classic 1942 film directed by Michael Curtiz. The character Ilsa Lund, played by Ingrid Bergman, is an important figure in the story set against the backdrop of World War II.
Today, Ilsa remains a distinctive and captivating choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughters. Its timeless elegance and rich history make it a wonderful option for those looking to honor tradition while embracing uniqueness.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Ilsa has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years in the United States. The first recorded birth of a child named Ilsa was in 1943, with only 6 births that year. However, by 2023, there were 12 births of children named Ilsa, indicating a steady growth in the name's usage.
The peak years for the name Ilsa appear to be between 1996 and 2008, during which time there were consistently high numbers of births each year. The highest number of births recorded was in 2007 and 2008, with 22 births each year. This trend suggests that the name Ilsa gained significant traction among parents during this period.
Interestingly, there is a notable dip in the popularity of the name Ilsa between the years 1945 to 1961, with no more than 13 births recorded annually during this time. However, it's important to note that these statistics may not be entirely accurate due to potential gaps or inaccuracies in record-keeping from earlier decades.
Overall, while the name Ilsa has not consistently ranked among the most popular names each year, its usage has shown a gradual increase over time. The total number of births recorded for the name Ilsa in the United States is 885. This indicates that while it may not be a ubiquitous name, Ilsa has nonetheless been chosen by many families as a unique and meaningful name for their children.