Ilan
BoyHebrew· “tree”
- Meaning
- tree
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- ee-LAHN
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,445
- US babies 2025
- 124
- Best rank
- #1,133 (2003)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Ilan
Ilan is a Hebrew name that means “tree”.
Ilan is a Hebrew name meaning tree. It is a modern Israeli name, chosen for its connection to nature and to the land, and it has been used since the twentieth century. A well-known bearer is Ilan Ramon, Israel's first astronaut. The name is also used in France and in Spanish-speaking countries, where its short form feels contemporary and international. Ilan has a gentle, grounded sound with stress on the second syllable.
Popularity over time
Ilan first appears in US Social Security records in 1965. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,133 in 2003, and the most babies received it in 2023, when 153 were named Ilan. In 2025, 124 babies were named Ilan, and it ranked #1,445 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,774 in 1980, #2,312 in 2000, #1,770 in 2010, and #1,445 in 2025. Of the 3,231 US boys named Ilan since records began, 31% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 771 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Ender, Mars, Amadeus, Huxton, and Malek.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ilan ranked highest in New Jersey, New York, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #795 | 8 |
| New York | #932 | 14 |
| Texas | #990 | 24 |
| Georgia | #1027 | 8 |
| Florida | #1292 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 97% of US babies named Ilan over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Ilan is usually pronounced ee-LAHN, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with I and ends in “-an”.
Middle names for Ilan
A few middle names that flow with Ilan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ilan
Similar names
Lists that include Ilan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ilan mean?
Ilan is a Hebrew name that means “tree”.
What is the origin of the name Ilan?
Ilan has Hebrew roots. Ilan is a Hebrew name meaning tree.
Is Ilan a popular name?
Not especially. Ilan ranked #1,445 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Ilan a boy or girl name?
Ilan is mainly a boy's name. About 97% of US babies named Ilan over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Ilan?
Ilan is usually pronounced ee-LAHN. 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