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At a Glance
- Meaning
- Form of Helen, traditionally 'torch' or 'shining light'
- Origin
- Hungarian (form of Helen)
- Gender
- Girl
- Pronunciation
- ih-LOH-nah
Ilona is a vintage-feeling girl's name with a worldly air, a Hungarian form of Helen. Helen's traditional meaning is 'torch' or 'shining light,' and Ilona carries that glow in a softer, less expected shape. It's pronounced ih-LOH-nah.
Meaning & Origin of Ilona
Meaning: Form of Helen, traditionally 'torch' or 'shining light'.
Origin: Hungarian (form of Helen).
How to Pronounce Ilona
ih-LOH-nahIPA /ɪˈloʊnə/
Popularity of Ilona
Ilona peaked at #821 in 1946, when 102 babies were given the name. In 2024 it ranked #4928 with 27 babies, so it's a rare pick today.
Names Like Ilona
These names share Ilona’s style, era or origin.
FAQ
What does the name Ilona mean?
Form of Helen, traditionally ‘torch’ or ‘shining light’.
How do you pronounce Ilona?
Ilona is pronounced ih-LOH-nah (IPA: /ɪˈloʊnə/).
Is Ilona a popular name right now?
Ilona peaked at #821 in 1946 and is ranked #4928 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1909–2024.)
Make Ilona Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Ilona, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
📊 How popular is Ilona Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity? See the full popularity history, trend data, and ranking since 1880 with our free Baby Name Popularity Checker.
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