Ilya - Name Meaning and Popularity -

Meaning of Ilya

Ilya is a unisex name of Slavic origin that ultimately derives from the Hebrew Elijah, meaning “my God is Yahweh.” In Russian it is pronounced EE-lyah, and in English contexts it typically appears as IL-yə. With its roots in the biblical prophet Elijah, Ilya has long been established across Russia and Eastern Europe and has in recent years gained modest traction in the United States—where it has consistently ranked in the 800s to 900s in newborn registrations. Its straightforward, two-syllable structure combines historical depth with a clean, modern feel, making it equally well suited to any gender and a subtle way to honor both religious and cultural heritage.