Ilay: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: eel-ahy
Origin: Greece
gender-male

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Apr 14, 2025 · 1 min read
Region Origin: Southern Europe, Western Asia
Meaning: Light

The name Ilay is a versatile name with multiple origins and meanings. It is primarily known as a boy's name in Greek, where It means light. In Turkish, it is a masculine name that means water nymph. The Hebrew variant of Ilay means rising, high, or supreme. Ilay has seen increasing popularity in recent years, particularly in Turkey and Israel, and is gaining traction in other regions as well. In the USA, it was most popular in 2022. The name Ilay has experienced a decline in popularity over the years. In the USA, it was listed as the 646th most popular boy name in 2023, down from its peak in the early 2000s. This decline is likely due to the name's relatively rare usage and the preference for more traditional names. Ilay is an important name because it reflects the cultural diversity of its origins. Ilay symbolizes light and, in some, beauty, particularly in Turkish culture where It means most beautiful one in the country. The name's unique origins and multiple interpretations add to its charm, making it a distinctive choice for those who value cultural richness.

Ilay Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Ilay is currently #16454 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Boy: Ilay is currently #7086 on Kiindred Boy Names
gender-male Overall Nature: Ilay is currently #7984 on Kiindred Nature Names
gender-male Boy Nature: Ilay is currently #3489 on Kiindred Boy Nature Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Wikipedia, NSW Births Deaths and Marriages, QLD Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages, WA Registry of Births, SA Registry of Births, VIC Registry of Births, Social Security Administration

arrow-icon Ilay
arrow-icon