Ilya

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Ilya Pronunciation

Ilya is pronounced il-YAH /ɪlˈjɑ/High

Meaning: Russian form of Elijah — Hebrew Eliyyahu, 'my God is Yahweh' — the great prophet of fireHigh

In 30 seconds: The fiery prophet, Russian-style: Ilya is the Slavic Elijah — 'my God is Yahweh'. Borne by the folk-hero knight Ilya Muromets and Tolstoy characters. Soft, soulful, and richly literary.

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Origin HighHebrew, Russian

MeaningRussian form of Elijah — Hebrew Eliyyahu, 'my God is Yahweh' — the great prophet of fire

U.S. rank (2024)#3623 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births31 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 931

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Ilya is the Russian form of Elijah — Hebrew Eliyyahu, 'my God is Yahweh' — the great prophet who ascended in a fiery chariot. Borne by the folk-epic knight Ilya Muromets and many Russian writers and figures, it is a soulful Slavic classic.

In the U.S. it appears in Russian- and Jewish-heritage families. Uncommon, divinely rooted, and literary.

Did you know? Ilya Muromets, the greatest knight of Russian folk epic, lay paralyzed for thirty-three years before miraculously gaining heroic strength — a beloved legend tied to this prophet's name.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Ilya — etymology

Variations

IliyaElijahIlia

Nicknames

Ilyusha

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ilya…

Elijah— the English form of the same name

Eli— the short form it shares a root with

Ilias— the Greek form of Elijah

Nikolai— a fellow soulful Russian name

→ See all names like Ilya

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Ilya?

Ilya is pronounced il-YAH (/ɪlˈjɑ/). Press play above to hear Ilya said aloud.

How do you say Ilya?

Ilya is said il-YAH (/ɪlˈjɑ/). Press play above to hear Ilya said aloud.

What does the name Ilya mean?

Ilya is the Russian form of Elijah, Hebrew for 'my God is Yahweh'.

Is Ilya a boy or girl name?

Ilya is a boy's name.

How popular is Ilya?

Ilya is an uncommon name in the U.S.