Ilija is a name of Slavic origin, particularly prevalent among the Serbs and other South Slavic peoples. It is derived from the name of the ancient Greek hero Ilios, which means "sun" in Greek. In some cases, Ilija may also be derived from the Hebrew name Eliyahu, meaning "the Lord is my God." Throughout history, this name has been worn by several notable figures, such as the Serbian philosopher and poet Ilija Petrović. The name Ilija has a unique charm and timelessness, making it a popular choice among parents looking for a distinctive yet classic name for their child.
The name Ilija experienced fluctuating popularity over the years, with a noticeable increase from 2011 onwards.