Illiana

Origin

Derived from the name Ilya, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'my God is Yahweh'. The suffix '-ana' is a common feminine ending in many European languages, adapted in English to form names like Iliana. In the context of Australian naming traditions, Iliana gained popularity through multicultural influences, blending European roots with local naming trends.

Meaning

‘My God is Yahweh’ or ‘God is gracious’. In Australian English, the name is often appreciated for its melodic sound and spiritual connotations, resonating with parents seeking meaningful and elegant names for their daughters.

Pronunciation

/ɪlˈiːɑːnə/ (ill-EE-ah-nah) — emphasis on the second syllable, with a soft 'i' as in 'ill' and 'ee' sound, ending with a broad ‘a’ sound as in ‘father’.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 12 July (Feast of Saint Iliana, a lesser-known saint in Eastern Orthodoxy)
• 15 August (Assumption of Mary, celebrated by some Christian denominations in Australia)
• International Women's Day (8 March, celebrated locally as a recognition of women’s contributions)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with illiana:

• Charlotte and Iliana
• Mia and Iliana — for harmonious dual names
• Lila and Iliana — both share a lyrical quality

Fun Facts

• Iliana is sometimes considered a modern variation of Ilyana or Iliana, stemming from Latin and Slavic roots.
• The name gained popularity in Australia in the early 2000s amidst a wave of multicultural naming preferences.
• Iliana is also a name of astronomical interest, being the name of a moon of Jupiter, which has drawn interest in Australian scientific and astronomical communities.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name illiana:

• Elegant
• Spiritual
• Creative
• Melodic
• Gentle

Aesthetic Qualities

The name's flowing vowels and soft consonants give it an elegant, lyrical quality, suited to contemporary and traditional tastes in Australian naming.

Geographical Distribution

More prevalent in urban areas with diverse populations such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Popularity is particularly noted within multicultural communities, often reflecting family heritage.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7, associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thought — traits valued in many Australian cultural circles, particularly in arts and sciences.

Astrological Connections

Possibly associated with Pisces or Cancer, reflecting qualities of intuition, sensitivity, and nurturing — aligning with the gentle, caring sentiment often attributed to the name.

Historical Context

While Iliana does not have a significant historical era of usage, it has gained popularity through cultural exchange and the diaspora communities within Australia, notably Greek, Slavic, and Latin American populations.

Linguistic Adaptability

Easily adaptable across languages; common variants include Ilyana (Russian, Slavic), Iliana (Latin/European), Ilijana (Serbian/Croatian). In written forms, it remains recognisably similar, with pronunciation slight variations.

Famous People Named illiana

• Iliana Khadijeh (Australian artist)
• Iliana Rose Tsakiridis (Australian-Macedonian author)
• Iliana Glyn (Australian actress)

Popularity in Australia