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NamyLab

Ilona

female
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"Light or Torch"

Ilona is a Hungarian form related to Helen, typically interpreted with meanings connected to light, and used broadly in Central Europe.

Themes:hungarianhelenalightclassic
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Fact-checked by Lily Anderson

M.F.A. Creative Writing, Sarah LawrencePublished NovelistName Collection Curator • Creative Names Editor

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of Ilona

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#4928Ranked in 2024

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Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#4928

Ilona was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
+1835

better than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

Ilona Nicknames

Familiar short forms, playful variations, and easy everyday options for Ilona.

8 ideas
ilon
Nickname
lona
Nickname
il
Nickname
iloy
Nickname
onay
Nickname
lon
Nickname
ona
Nickname
ilonie
Nickname

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Baby Name Lists That Include Ilona

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes Ilona, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

13 linked lists

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Ilona mean?
Ilona means "Light or Torch". Ilona is a Hungarian form related to Helen, typically interpreted with meanings connected to light, and used broadly in
What is the origin of Ilona?
Ilona is of Hungarian origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Ilona?
According to the latest SSA data, Ilona is currently ranked #4928 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is Ilona a girl name?
Ilona is traditionally a girl name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for Ilona?
Popular nicknames for Ilona include ilon, lona, il, iloy, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to Ilona?
There are many names similar to Ilona in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginHungarian, Greek
Syllables3
Length5 letters
US Rank#4928
Trend↑ Rising
Starts withI

Sibling Ideas

Explore More Girl Names Like Ilona

Ilona has Hungarian roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our Hungarian baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

Ilona appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Names That Mean Light and Unique Baby Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Classic Greek Baby Names and Last Names That Mean Light.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Ilona pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Ilona beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.