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Ilona

♀ Girl

Pronounced ih-LOH-nah /ɪˈloʊ.nɑ/Medium

Meaning: Hungarian form of Helen — from Greek, 'light, torch; bright'Medium

In 30 seconds: Light, Hungarian-style: Ilona is the Hungarian Helen — 'light, torch'. Elegant, lyrical, and warm.

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Origin MediumGreek, Hungarian

MeaningHungarian form of Helen — from Greek, 'light, torch; bright'

U.S. rank (2025)#3861 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births38 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1946

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,331

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

Ilona is the Hungarian form of Helen — from Greek, 'light, torch; bright'. An elegant, lyrical name across Hungary and Central Europe; a fairy-queen of Hungarian folklore bears it.

In the U.S. it appears in Hungarian families. Rare, light at the root, and lyrical.

Did you know? Helen means 'light, torch' in Greek — Ilona is its elegant Hungarian form, lyrical and lovely across Central Europe.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name — Ilona — etymology

Variations

HelenaIlkaIla

Nicknames

IlaLona

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ilona…

Helena— the root name

Halina— the Polish form

Alona— a companion -ona name

Irena— shares Ilona's Greek roots

Selina— shares Ilona's Greek roots

Explore names like Ilona

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ilona mean?

Ilona is the Hungarian Helen — Greek 'light, torch; bright'.

How do you pronounce Ilona?

It's said ih-LOH-nah /ɪˈloʊ.nɑ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Ilona a boy or girl name?

Ilona is a girl's name.

How popular is Ilona?

Ilona is a rare name in the U.S.