Ila
EE-luh
Ila is a name with roots in both Sanskrit and Old English.
In Sanskrit, Ila refers to the earth or the goddess of speech and flow—a figure from Hindu mythology who was sometimes depicted as both male and female. In Old English, ila relates to a shore or riverbank.
In Hindu tradition, Ila is associated with the Rigveda, where she appears as a divine being connected to earth, plants, and nourishment. The figure also appears in later epics as a character with a notably complex mythological biography.
What the name Ila means
Ila peaked in early SSA records at No. 237 in 1903 with 160 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 679 with 419 births— its highest raw count ever, reflecting its quiet contemporary revival.
The name’s two-letter brevity—shared with Ada, Eva, and Mia—fits the modern preference for short, vowel-forward girl names that are easy to pronounce in multiple languages.
Two syllables—EYE-luh—are simple and warm. The long initial vowel and soft landing make it one of the gentlest-sounding short names in regular use.
Parents choosing Ila today are often drawn to its simplicity and its dual cultural reach—working equally well in South Asian, Western, and secular naming contexts.
Similar ultra-short names include Ela (Polish/Turkish), Isla (Scottish), and Ella—all occupying the same sonic territory with slightly different origins.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Ila
Ila - similar names
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity