Ilay

♂ Boy

Pronounced ee-LY /iˈlaɪ/Medium

Meaning: From Hebrew Ilay/Ilai, 'highest, supreme; elevated' (linked to the root for 'up, toward'); a Talmudic sageMedium

In 30 seconds: Highest and elevated: Ilay is Hebrew for 'supreme, elevated'. Soft, modern, and uplifting — a top Israeli name.

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Origin MediumHebrew

MeaningFrom Hebrew Ilay/Ilai, 'highest, supreme; elevated' (linked to the root for 'up, toward'); a Talmudic sage

U.S. rank (2025)#3982 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births27 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 207

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

Ilay comes from Hebrew Ilay/Ilai, 'highest, supreme; elevated' (from the root for 'up, toward', borne by a Talmudic sage). A soft, uplifting name and a top modern Israeli favorite.

In the U.S. it appears in Israeli families. Rare, highest at the root, and uplifting.

Did you know? Ilay (Ilai) means 'highest, supreme, elevated' in Hebrew — borne by a Talmudic sage; it's one of the most popular modern Israeli boys' names.

Overall data confidence 78%

Hebrew references — Ilay — etymology

Variations

IlaiIllay

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Ilay…

Ilan— a fellow modern Hebrew name

Liel— another soft Hebrew name

Roi— a fellow modern Israeli name

Ivaan— lands in the same popularity range

Isai— lands in the same popularity range

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ilay mean?

Ilay is Hebrew for 'highest, supreme; elevated'.

How do you pronounce Ilay?

It's said ee-LY /iˈlaɪ/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Ilay a boy or girl name?

Ilay is a boy's name.

How popular is Ilay?

Ilay is a rare name in the U.S., very popular in Israel.