Iliani is a rare and unique feminine given name of Greek origin. Its meaning can be interpreted in several ways depending on the translation used, but it generally signifies "the sun" or "she who shines like the sun." Some sources also attribute the meaning of "bright as the sun" to this name.
The name Iliani is believed to have originated from the ancient Greek language and was likely used during the classical era. It may have been inspired by the cult of Helios, the god of the sun in Greek mythology, who was often depicted as driving a chariot pulled by four fiery steeds across the sky each day. In some versions of the myth, Helios has seven daughters known as the Heliades or Pleiades, although their names are not specified in all accounts.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with the name Iliani. One example is Iliani of Athens, a woman who lived during the 4th century BCE and was known for her beauty and intelligence. She was said to have been so radiant that she resembled the sun itself, which may have contributed to the spread of the name.
Today, Iliani remains relatively uncommon as a given name, but its unique origin and meaning continue to make it an appealing choice for parents looking for something distinctive for their daughters. Despite its rarity, there are scattered references to individuals named Iliani throughout history and literature, demonstrating that this beautiful name has been carried on through generations.
In conclusion, Iliani is a captivating feminine given name of Greek origin that signifies "the sun" or "she who shines like the sun." With a rich history and fascinating connections to ancient mythology, this rare and unique name offers a compelling option for parents seeking something extraordinary for their baby girl.
The name Iliani has seen a varying degree of popularity over the past two decades in the United States. Between 2005 and 2023, there were a total of 104 babies born with this name.
In 2005, the name was given to 6 newborns, indicating that it had a slight start on its journey to popularity during that period. The following year, in 2006, the number of births with the name Iliani decreased to just 5.
After a brief dip, the popularity of the name started to rise again. In 2009, there were 8 babies named Iliani, which was more than double the number of births recorded in either 2005 or 2006. This trend continued into 2011, with a total of 11 births being recorded that year.
However, like many trends, the popularity of the name Iliani began to fluctuate once again after its peak in 2011. In 2012 and 2014, there were only 7 and 5 births respectively, indicating a decline in popularity during those years.
Despite this decrease, the name Iliani maintained some level of popularity throughout the following decade. Between 2015 and 2023, there was an average of approximately 7 babies named Iliani each year, with notable spikes in popularity occurring in 2019 and 2020 when 11 births were recorded both years.
Overall, while the name Iliani has not consistently been one of the most popular choices for newborns in the United States over the past two decades, it has maintained a steady presence nonetheless. With a total of 104 babies being born with this name between 2005 and 2023, it is clear that there are many families who have chosen to give their children this unique and distinctive name.