Ila

♀ Girl

Pronounced EE-lah /ˈiː.lə/High

Meaning: In Sanskrit, Ila (इला) means 'earth' and is the name of a daughter of Manu in Hindu mythology; in Old French it means 'from the island' (from the isle); also linked to the Hebrew/Aramaic root for speech or languageMedium

In 30 seconds: Ila is a rare, delicate two-syllable name with roots in Sanskrit mythology and Old French geography. Its quiet simplicity makes it a sophisticated minimalist choice, perfect for parents who want something genuinely uncommon and beautiful.

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Origin MediumSanskrit, Old French

MeaningIn Sanskrit, Ila (इला) means 'earth' and is the name of a daughter of Manu in Hindu mythology; in Old French it means 'from the island' (from the isle); also linked to the Hebrew/Aramaic root for speech or language

U.S. rank (2025)#718 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births390 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1925

Total births (all-time)≈ 25,057

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Ila is an ancient Sanskrit name borne by a mythological figure in the Mahabharata and Puranas. The name also exists in Old French as a variant of 'isle.' In English-speaking countries it appeared occasionally in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a delicate feminine name.

Ila is experiencing a quiet revival as parents seek extremely short, elegant names. It sits alongside Isla, Ida, and Ivy as a soft vintage choice that is simple yet distinctive. Its multicultural roots also appeal to families seeking names with depth beyond Western tradition.

Did you know? In Hindu tradition, Ila is a fascinating figure who began as a son of Manu but was transformed into a woman by the god Shiva — making Ila one of mythology's most complex gender-fluid figures and giving the name a quietly extraordinary mythological dimension.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Ila — etymology and mythologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

IslaIdaIlah

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Ila Arun (1954-)
Indian actress and Rajasthani folk-pop singer
★Ila Borders (1975-)
American baseball pitcher, among the first women in men's pro baseball

If you like Ila…

Isla— shares the soft two-syllable I-opening sound and the island/water geographic meaning

Ida— fellow short vintage I-name with a quiet elegance and old-fashioned charm

Iris— shares the botanical/nature I-opening and the same delicate vintage femininity

Ines— parallel short, elegant I-name with a European heritage and understated appeal

Explore names like Ila

By themesanskrit vintage rare mythology hindu minimalist

By meaningEarth / Nature

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ila mean?

Ila means 'earth' in Sanskrit and is a figure in Hindu mythology. It also has Old French roots meaning 'from the island.'

How do you pronounce Ila?

Ila is pronounced EE-lah /ˈiː.lə/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Ila a rare name?

Yes, Ila is quite rare in the United States, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a genuine rarity with multicultural roots.

Is Ila a Hindu name?

Yes, Ila is an ancient Sanskrit name appearing in the Mahabharata and other Hindu texts. It means 'earth' and is associated with a complex mythological figure.