Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Ilja

      Origin

      Slavic Origins, Popular in Russia And Eastern Europe

      Meaning

      The Lord is God or My God is Yahweh

      Variations

      Iljana, Lilja, Hilja
      The name Ilja has its roots in Slavic origins and is particularly prevalent in Russia and Eastern Europe. It is derived from the Hebrew name Elijah, which translates to The Lord is God or My God is Yahweh. This meaning reflects a profound spiritual significance, emphasizing the relationship between the individual and the divine. As a name, Ilja encapsulates themes of faith, devotion, and the acknowledgment of a higher power.

      Historically, the name Ilja has been associated with various cultural and religious contexts. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, Elijah is a prominent prophet, revered for his staunch defense of monotheism during a time of regional polytheism. His legacy has permeated various cultures, leading to the adoption of his name in different forms. In Eastern European folklore, figures named Ilja often represent strength and wisdom, embodying virtues that resonate within the community. As such, the name has historical weight, representing not only a religious identity but also communal values.

      In contemporary society, Ilja remains a popular name across Eastern Europe and among Russian-speaking communities worldwide. It is often embraced for its traditional roots and spiritual connotations, appealing to parents seeking meaningful names for their children. Modern bearers of the name come from various walks of life, making contributions in fields such as arts, science, and politics. The name Ilja continues to carry an air of respectability and cultural significance, bridging the gap between historical reverence and modern identity.

      Based on our records...

      Abrahamsdotter

      Abrahamsdotter

      This is the most common surname associated with Ilja.
      Anna

      Anna

      This is the most common name of those married to a Ilja.
      Anna

      Anna

      This is the most common name for a child of a Ilja.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1880 is when there were the most people born with the first name Ilja.

      Explore the origins of another name.