Ilah

female

Origin

The name 'Ilah' is believed to have origins in Arabic, where it means 'the divine' or 'goddess'. It is also found in some African cultures with variations in meaning related to 'truth' or 'faith'. In Australia, 'Ilah' is primarily used as a modern, multicultural name, reflecting the country's diverse population. It does not have traditional ancestral or indigenous roots in Aboriginal or Māori languages.

Meaning

Literal translation as 'the divine' or 'goddess' in Arabic. In Australian English contexts, it conveys a sense of spirituality, grace, and sacredness, often chosen for its melodious sound and meaningful connotations.

Pronunciation

/ɪˈlɑː/ (Australian English pronunciation: ih-LAH, with stress on the second syllable) and /ɪˈlaː/ in Arabic contexts, depending on dialects and language influences.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Ilah (original spelling)
  • Ilahh (alternative spelling)
  • Ila (short form)

Nicknames

  • Ila
  • Lah

Name Days

  • 20 April (Feast of Divine Mercy in Catholic tradition)
  • Unknown in traditional Australian calendars, but some families may celebrate personal or cultural milestones associated with the name.
  • Māori culture does not commonly observe a specific name day for 'Ilah'.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with ilah:

  • Elena and Ilah (complementary names with similar elegance)
  • Sara and Ilah (both simple, timeless names)
  • Maya and Ilah (shared cultural resonance)

Fun Facts

  • 'Ilah' is occasionally chosen in Australia by families seeking a name with spiritual significance.
  • While not historically popular, it has gained modest usage among Australia's multicultural communities.
  • The name's phonetic similarity to 'Ella' and 'Ila' has contributed to its emerging popularity.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name ilah:

  • Spiritual
  • Graceful
  • Empathetic
  • Reflective

Aesthetic Qualities

Its simple yet elegant form makes 'Ilah' visually appealing, with a balanced combination of vowels and consonants that is uncluttered and serene in appearance.

Geographical Distribution

More common in urban multicultural centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with higher usage among migrant communities from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

Numerological Significance

Name number 9, symbolising completeness, humanitarian efforts, and a global outlook, reflecting the name's spiritual and inclusive appeal in Australia.

Astrological Connections

While not astrology-specific, its symmetry and gentle sound may be associated with nurturing qualities linked to water signs, fostering empathetic and artistic traits.

Historical Context

The name 'Ilah' is relatively modern in Australia, often adopted by families with Arabic, African, or Muslim heritage. No prominent historical figures in Australian history bear this name, but it has cultural significance in various traditions. Fictional representations are scarce, but the name appears in contemporary literature and media exploring multicultural themes.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name 'Ilah' can be pronounced similar across many languages with minor adjustments, and is easily integrated into Australian English phonetics and spelling conventions.

Famous People Named ilah

  • Ilah Dufour (Australian writer and poet)
  • Ilah Batchelor (metaphysical healer) (fictitious examples)
  • linguistic_adaptability
  • The name adapts well across languages, maintaining its phonetic structure in Arabic, English, and other Latin-based scripts, with minor variations in spelling.
  • aesthetic
  • 'Ilah' has a soft, melodic quality, with clean lines in typographic form, appealing to those seeking elegant and meaningful names.
  • numerological
  • Name number 9, associated with humanitarianism, compassion, and idealism, aligning with its spiritual connotations.
  • astrological
  • No specific zodiac or astrological associations; however, those born under water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) may find the name resonate with emotional depth.
  • is_aboriginal
  • :false, this name does not have origins in Aboriginal Australian languages.
  • is_maori
  • :false, this name does not have Māori roots.

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2017 2
2016 1