The nameIlona
Ilona is the Hungarian form of Helen, also used in Finland and Poland.
- Girl's name
- Hungarian
- Feast day
Meaning
Ilona is usually linked to Helen, from the Greek Helene. In Finnish ilo means "joy".
Origin
Hungarian.
History
In the United States Ilona reached 821st place in 1946. In England and Wales it was 1031st in 1996, the first year of the series.
Popularity of the name Ilona
Ilona in the United States
Ilona was most popular in the United States in the 1940s, with 738 births over the decade, 22% of all recorded babies named Ilona. Its rise began around 1916, and it peaked in 1946. Half of all babies named Ilona in the United States were born before 1961, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 22 births a year on average, against 32 in the five years before.
Ilona in France
Ilona was most popular in France in the 2000s, with 8,180 births over the decade, 60% of all recorded babies named Ilona. Its rise began around 1996, and it peaked in 2005. Half of all babies named Ilona in France were born before 2004. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 185 births a year.
Ilona in Belgium
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Ilona
Names from the same generation as Ilona, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Ilona? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Ilona with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Ilona side by side with the name of your choice.
Ilona in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ilona mean?
Ilona is usually linked to Helen, from the Greek Helene. In Finnish ilo means "joy".
What is the origin of the name Ilona?
Hungarian.
Is Ilona a girl's or a boy's name?
Ilona is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Ilona?
In 2024, Ilona was the 4948th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 27 births.
What are the variants of the name Ilona?
Variants and related names of Ilona include Helene and Ylona.
What are good sibling names for Ilona?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Alida, Cécile, Antonina and Awa for a sister, Adil, Boris, Aleksandar and Roque for a brother.