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Iliana

♀ Girl

Pronounced il-ee-AH-nah /ˌɪl.iˈɑː.nə/High

Meaning: Variant of Elena or Ileana, from the Greek Helene meaning 'bright' or 'torch'; also interpreted as a feminine form of Ilium (Troy), the ancient city, giving it a connection to Trojan heritage; popular in Romanian and Spanish-speaking culturesHigh

In 30 seconds: Iliana is a flowing four-syllable name with roots in Greek brightness and Trojan legend. Melodic and feminine, it is popular across Romania and Latin America and is gaining admirers in the United States for its graceful, international sound.
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Origin HighGreek, Latin
MeaningVariant of Elena or Ileana, from the Greek Helene meaning 'bright' or 'torch'; also interpreted as a feminine form of Ilium (Troy), the ancient city, giving it a connection to Trojan heritage; popular in Romanian and Spanish-speaking cultures
U.S. rank (2025)#730 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births380 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 13,338

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200719552025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Iliana is a Latinate form related to Elena/Helena, ultimately from Greek Helene meaning 'bright,' 'torch.' It may also derive from Ilium, the Greek name for the city of Troy, giving some versions a distinct Trojan connection. The name is widely used in Romania, Greece, and Spanish-speaking Latin America.

In the United States, Iliana has been in use primarily among Hispanic American families and Eastern European immigrants. It has been growing steadily as parents seek melodious, multicultural names with an elegant four-syllable flow.

Did you know? The name Ileana (closely related to Iliana) is one of the most popular girls names in Romania, where it appears in beloved fairy tales as the name of a princess — Ileana Cosânzeana, a mythological figure described as the most beautiful woman in the world.
Overall data confidence 82%
Behind the Name — Ileana — etymology and cultural usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

IleanaElenaIlyana

Nicknames

IliLiaAnaIllie

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Iliana…

Elena— shares the Greek bright/shining root and the same melodious European feminine quality
Adriana— fellow four-syllable melodious Latina name with the same flowing romantic sound
Ileana— essentially the same name in alternate spelling, sharing all meaning and heritage
Eliana— shares the Hebrew/Greek bright meaning blend and the same four-syllable grace

Frequently Asked

What does the name Iliana mean?

Iliana means 'bright' or 'shining' from the Greek Helene root. It may also connect to Ilium (Troy), giving it a legendary classical dimension.

How do you pronounce Iliana?

Iliana is pronounced il-ee-AH-nah /ˌɪl.iˈɑː.nə/ — four syllables with stress on the third.

Where is Iliana popular?

Iliana is popular in Romania (as Ileana), Greece, and Spanish-speaking Latin America. It is growing in the United States.

Is Iliana the same as Ileana?

Iliana and Ileana are very closely related spelling variants sharing the same roots and meaning. Ileana is the Romanian and Spanish form.