"my God is Yahweh"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Serbian/Croatian
Ilija
Ilija is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "my God is Yahweh." Ranked #6,562 in the US, popular nicknames include Ili, Ika, and Ijo.
The Balkan Elijah — a name of prophets and patriots
Serbian
Croatian
Macedonian
Bosnian
Slovenian
Traditional
Spiritual
Strong
Classic
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"Yahweh is God"
Origin: Biblical Hebrew via Greek
Language: South Slavic
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The Story of Ilija
Ilija is the South Slavic form of Elijah, derived from the Hebrew name Eliyahu meaning 'my God is Yahweh.' The name entered Slavic languages through the Greek Elias and Byzantine Christian tradition, becoming deeply embedded in Serbian, Croatian, and Macedonian culture. The prophet Elijah (Ilija) is one of the most revered figures in Orthodox Christianity, celebrated on Elijah's Day (Ilindan, August 2nd) — a major feast day in Serbian and Macedonian tradition.
Ilija remains a popular traditional name throughout the Balkans, particularly in Serbia and North Macedonia. Its patron saint day, celebrated with major festivities, keeps the name culturally vibrant. In the diaspora communities of Australia, Canada, and the US, Ilija is cherished as a way to maintain cultural heritage.
In Serbian Orthodox tradition, Ilindan (St. Elijah's Day) on August 2nd is one of the most important summer celebrations. Many Serbian villages and families celebrate this as their Slava (family patron saint day). In North Macedonia, the Ilinden Uprising of 1903 — a pivotal moment in Macedonian history — takes its name from St. Elijah's Day.
Historical Record
Ilija first appeared in US Social Security records in 1971.
Over 172 babies have been named Ilija in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ilija is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #6,562 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Ilinden Uprising of 1903 in Macedonia was named after Saint Elijah's Day (August 2nd), making Ilija a name forever tied to the fight for freedom
- Elijah/Ilija appears in both the Bible and the Quran (as Ilyas), making it one of the most cross-cultural names in Abrahamic traditions
Ilija in Other Languages
Greek
Ηλίας
Arabic
إيليا
Hebrew
אֵלִיָּה
Russian
Илья
Serbian
Илија
Popularity Over Time
#6,562
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Ilija
I
Ilija Trojanow
Writer
1965
Bulgarian-German author known for his novel 'The Collector of Worlds' and travel literature
I
Ilija Petković
Athlete
1945
Serbian football coach and former player who managed the Serbia national team
E
Elijah (Prophet)
Religious
The prophet Ilija/Elijah from the Hebrew Bible, one of the most dramatic figures in scripture, known for calling down fi...
The prophet Ilija/Elijah from the Hebrew Bible, one of the most dramatic figures in scripture, known for calling down fire from heaven on Mount Carmel
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #6,562
- Total SSA Count
- 13
- Cultural Origins
- Serbian Croatian Macedonian Bosnian Slovenian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ili
Ika
Ijo
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ilija
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Serbian)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ilija
What does the name Ilija mean?
"my God is Yahweh" (from Hebrew). "Yahweh is God" (from Biblical Hebrew via Greek). Ilija is the South Slavic form of Elijah, derived from the Hebrew name Eliyahu meaning 'my God is Yahweh.' The name entered Slavic languages through the Greek Elias and Byzantine Christian tradition, becoming deeply embedded in Serbian, Croatian, and Macedonian culture. The prophet Elijah (Ilija) is one of the most revered figures in Orthodox Christianity, celebrated on Elijah's Day (Ilindan, August 2nd) — a major feast day in Serbian and Macedonian tradition.
What is the origin of the name Ilija?
Ilija has Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew via Greek, Serbian, Croatian, Macedonian, Bosnian, and Slovenian origins. In Hebrew, it means "my God is Yahweh". In Biblical Hebrew via Greek, it means "Yahweh is God".
Is Ilija a boy or girl name?
Ilija is primarily used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Ilija?
Ilija is currently ranked #6562 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Ilija?
Common nicknames for Ilija include Ili, Ika, and Ijo.
What are good middle names for Ilija?
Popular middle name pairings include Ilija Marko, Ilija Luka, Ilija Stefan, Ilija Nikola, Ilija Andrej, and Ilija Vojin.
What are good sibling names for Ilija?
Names that pair well with Ilija as siblings include Luka, Marko, Ana, Jelena, Stefan, and Katarina.
How many syllables does Ilija have?
Ilija has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Ilija a common or rare name?
Ilija is an uncommon name, ranked #6562 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Ilija?
Ilija pairs well with Eldin in style and sound.
Are there other spellings for Ilija?
Related spellings include Ilijah.
About the Name Ilija
Ilija is a boy name with Serbian, Croatian, Macedonian, Bosnian, and Slovenian origins . The name means "my God is Yahweh" in Hebrew .
Ilija is currently ranked #6,562 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Ilija has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Ilija include Ili, Ika, and Ijo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Ilija include Ilijah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis