Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Ila
GirlSanskrit· “earth”
- Meaning
- earth
- Origin
- Sanskrit
- Pronunciation
- EE-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #718
- US babies 2025
- 390
- Best rank
- #237 (1903)
- Peak year
- 1925
Meaning and origin of Ila
Ila is a Sanskrit name that is usually said to mean “earth”.
In Sanskrit, ila means "earth," and in Hindu mythology Ila is a figure associated with the earth and with speech, known in some stories for changing between male and female forms. The name is used in India and among Indian families worldwide. It has a gentle, two-syllable sound and an ancient, grounded meaning. Ila feels short, elegant, and easy to pronounce in many languages, and it pairs easily with longer middle names. Its simplicity gives it a modern feel despite its deep roots.
Other spellings with the same sound: Isla.
Popularity over time
Ila has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 80 different years. Its best national rank was #237 in 1903, and the most babies received it in 1925, when 642 were named Ila. In 2025, 390 babies were named Ila, and it ranked #718 nationally. That is 83% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #274 in 1920, #748 in 1950, #3,087 in 1980, #3,477 in 2000, #1,458 in 2010, and #718 in 2025. Of the 25,060 US girls named Ila since records began, 22% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 3,942 babies. Since 2010, 4,260 more have been named Ila.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Elnora, Arline, Lenora, Bernadine, and Fay.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ila ranked highest in North Dakota, Iowa, and Utah.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | #217 | 5 |
| Iowa | #264 | 13 |
| Utah | #320 | 14 |
| New Mexico | #339 | 5 |
| Missouri | #359 | 17 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Ila is usually pronounced EE-luh, with two syllables. It has three letters, starts with I and ends in “-la”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Isla.
Middle names for Ila
A few middle names that flow with Ila: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ila
Similar names
Nala Girl
NAH-luh
“uncertain; also a hero of Indian epic” · Sanskrit
#856
Lila Girl
LY-luh
“play (Sanskrit); night (Arabic)” · Sanskrit
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Lola Girl
LOH-luh
“short for Dolores, sorrows” · Spanish
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Kali Girl
KAH-lee
“the black one” · Sanskrit
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Tara Girl
TAIR-uh
“hill; also star” · Irish
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Della Girl
DEH-luh
“short form of Adela; noble” · Germanic
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Leela Girl
LEE-luh
“play, divine play” · Sanskrit
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Nila Girl
NEE-luh
“dark blue” · Sanskrit
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Shaila Girl
SHY-luh
“of the mountain, rock” · Sanskrit
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Neela Girl
NEE-luh
“dark blue” · Sanskrit
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Bella Girl
BEL-uh
“beautiful” · Italian
#136
Kayla Girl
KAY-luh
“modern coinage; possibly from Kay” · American (modern coinage)
#364
Lists that include Ila
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ila mean?
Ila is a Sanskrit name that is usually said to mean “earth”.
What is the origin of the name Ila?
Ila has Sanskrit roots. In Sanskrit, ila means "earth," and in Hindu mythology Ila is a figure associated with the earth and with speech, known in some stories for changing between male and female forms.
Is Ila a popular name?
Yes. Ila ranked #718 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Ila a boy or girl name?
Ila is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Ila?
Ila is usually pronounced EE-luh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings