Ilja

The male first name Ilja (Илья) is mainly prevalent in Russia and represents a Slavic variant of the name Elijah, which goes back to the biblical name Elias. Translated, it means something like "my God is Yahweh."

What does the name Ilja mean?

Ilja (Илья) is a Slavic and predominantly Russian form of the name Elijah, which in turn traces back to the biblical Elias. The direct translation is "my God is Yahweh." The roots of the name lie in Ancient Hebrew, derived from Eliyahu or 'êlı̂yâhû (אֵלִיָּהוּ). The short form 'êlı̂yâh (אֵלִיָּה) consists of the elements 'ēl (אֵל) meaning "God" and yâh (יָה) meaning "the name of God." In the Bible, Elias is regarded as a significant and righteous prophet who vigorously preached against the worship of Baal. This variant of the name has been common in German-speaking countries since the 20th century and is also used as a surname. Other spellings include Elia, Ellis, Elis, Elijah, Elijas, Eliasz, Elyas, Elyjah, Elie, Eelis, Helias, Ilias, Ilija, Ilijas, Iliya, Ilyah, Illya, Ilko, Ilie, Ilya, and Ilia.

Where does the name Ilja come from?

The name Ilja has its roots in Ancient Hebrew and means "my God is Yahweh." The components of the word consist of 'ēl, which means "God," and yâh, which means "the name of God." It is used in various languages, including Estonian, Lithuanian, Russian, Slovak, and Czech.

How do you pronounce Ilja?

The pronunciation of Ilja is two syllables and fluid. The name is usually pronounced as "Il-ja" [ˈɪlja], with the first sound being short and bright. The combination "-lj-" provides a gentle transition. The open ending gives the name a certain lightness. Ilja radiates a fine and calm grace, supported by its Nordic sound quality.

When is the name day of Ilja?

The name day of Ilja is celebrated on March 24 and July 20.

Popularity

In Germany, Ilja is among the popular first names and currently ranks 423rd on the list of the most common male first names. Its best placement was in 2008, when it ranked 269th. In the last ten years, Ilja has been chosen about 1,800 times as a first name, placing it 365th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 363rd.

Nicknames & pet names

Il / Ila / Ili / Ilichen / Iljucha / Iljuscha / Iljuschenjka / Iljuschenka / Iljuschka / Ilka / Ille / Illilein / Illuscha / Illy / Ilo

Similar first names

Famous people

• Ilia Kandelaki (Georgian football defender for SK Sturm Graz)
• Ilja Alexandrowitsch Altman (Russian historian)
• Ilja Alexandrowitsch Saz (Russian composer)
• Ilja Antonow (Estonian footballer)
• Ilja Gawrilowitsch Wosnessenski (Russian scientist)
• Ilja Glasunov (Russian artist born in 1930 in Saint Petersburg)
• Ilja Glusgal (German jazz musician)
• Ilja Grigorjewitsch Ehrenburg (Russian writer)
• Ilja Iwanowitsch Iwanow (biologist from Russia)
• Ilja Jefimowitsch Repin (English painter)
• Ilja Kovalchuk (ice hockey player)
• Ilja Livschakoff (violinist from Germany)
• Ilja Olegowitsch Krikunow (Russian ice hockey player)
• Ilja Pawlowitsch Petruschewski (historian from Russia)
• Ilja Prachar (Czech actor)
• Ilja Repin (Russian painter of realism)
• Ilja Richter (German actor and presenter)
• Ilja Rosliakov (ski jumper)
• Ilja Scheps (Russian pianist)
• Ilja Schneider (German chess player)