Fun Facts About the Name Illeana
- 384 babies named Illeana: U.S. records list 384 babies given the name Illeana from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Illeana Mean?
Illeana is usually treated as a variant spelling of Ileana, a feminine name that traces to Greek Helénē (Latin Helena). The traditional meaning is 'bright, shining one,' and the Greek name is commonly connected with helēnē, 'torch,' or with a root meaning 'light.' A competing suggestion links it to selēnē, 'moon,' so the ultimate etymology is not certain.
The Romanian form is Ileana, which developed alongside Elena as the local form of Helen. The spelling Illeana adds a second l; it is generally the same name as Ileana rather than a separate Greek or Latin source. In English it is used as a spelling variant, and it should not be confused with Eliana, which often has a Hebrew derivation.
Illeana Name History & Origins
The oldest form behind Illeana is Greek Helénē, the name of the mythological Helen of Troy in the Iliad. The name passed into Latin as Helena; it was borne by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, who is traditionally credited with finding the True Cross.
In Romanian, the name took the form Ileana, with Elena also in use. Romanian folktales feature Ileana Cosânzeana, a princess who often undertakes quests and outwits villains; this traditional literary use is later than the name's Greek and Latin roots.
The spelling Illeana is an English-language variant of Ileana. The double-l spelling appears in English-language use, but it does not change the name's origin or create a separate root.
How Popular is the Name Illeana?
Illeana has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2005. Its best rank was #4,148 in 2005.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #14,092 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 2022 | #11,598 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2020 | #12,656 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2019 | #11,776 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2018 | #14,501 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 2017 | #14,809 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2016 | #11,213 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2015 | #11,254 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2014 | #15,331 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2013 | #13,713 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2012 | #8,379 | 14 | 0.0008% |
| 2011 | #9,970 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 2010 | #5,686 | 24 | 0.0014% |
| 2009 | #10,239 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 2008 | #6,218 | 22 | 0.0012% |
| 2007 | #5,963 | 23 | 0.0012% |
| 2006 | #5,999 | 22 | 0.0012% |
| 2005 | #4,148 | 34 | 0.0018% |
| 2004 | #4,534 | 30 | 0.0016% |
| 2003 | #8,173 | 13 | 0.0007% |
| 2002 | #14,262 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2001 | #9,646 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 2000 | #4,855 | 24 | 0.0013% |
| 1999 | #6,293 | 16 | 0.0009% |
| 1998 | #5,664 | 18 | 0.0010% |
| 1997 | #10,155 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 1996 | #9,081 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 1995 | #10,944 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1963 | #6,996 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1927 | #5,156 | 5 | 0.0004% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
Most Popular Girl Names That Start with I
How the Name Illeana Shapes Your Personality and Life?
Your tendency is to finish whatever you start. You like to use the pen or the needle (writing, fashion design etc). You are loving, compassionate, intuitive and humanitarian. Runs of luck, either good or bad, follow you. You are sympathetic, but at times might be touchy and oversensitive. You may have a gift for writing. You are intuitive and might be interested in the arts, drama or science.
You desire to inspire and lead, to control other's affairs. You are giving, courageous and bold, action oriented,energetic and strong willed. You want to make a difference in the world, and this attitude often attracts you to cultural interests, politics, social issues, and the cultivation of your creative talents.
✦ Illeana's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Illeana's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.