Ilse

♀ Girl

Ilse Pronunciation

Ilse is pronounced IL-zah /ˈɪl.zɑ/Medium

Meaning: German/Dutch short form of Elisabeth — from Hebrew Elisheva, 'God is my oath'Medium

In 30 seconds: Crisp and devout: Ilse is the German short form of Elisabeth — 'God is my oath'. Soft, vintage, and warm.

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Origin MediumHebrew, German

MeaningGerman/Dutch short form of Elisabeth — from Hebrew Elisheva, 'God is my oath'

U.S. rank (2024)#4929 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births27 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1993

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,364

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Ilse is a German and Dutch short form of Elisabeth — from Hebrew Elisheva, 'God is my oath'. A crisp, soft, vintage name across Germany and the Netherlands (said 'IL-zah').

In the U.S. it appears in German families. Rare, God-is-my-oath at the root, and vintage.

Did you know? Elisabeth means 'God is my oath' (Hebrew Elisheva) — Ilse is its crisp German and Dutch short form (said 'IL-zah'); soft and vintage.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name — Ilse — etymology

Variations

ElsaElseIlsa

Themes & Styles

Hebrew German

If you like Ilse…

Elsa— a fellow Elisabeth short form

Greta— another German short name

Elise— lands in the same popularity range

Jesse— shares Ilse's Hebrew roots

Elyse— shares the -se ending

→ See all names like Ilse

Browse the whole category: All Hebrew names → · All German names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Ilse?

Ilse is pronounced IL-zah (/ˈɪl.zɑ/). Press play above to hear Ilse said aloud.

How do you say Ilse?

Ilse is said IL-zah (/ˈɪl.zɑ/). Press play above to hear Ilse said aloud.

What does the name Ilse mean?

Ilse is a German Elisabeth — 'God is my oath'.

Is Ilse a boy or girl name?

Ilse is a girl's name.

How popular is Ilse?

Ilse is a rare name in the U.S.