What Does the Name Ilias Mean?
Ilias descends from the Hebrew Eliyahu, built from El ("God") and a shortened form of Yahweh, giving the meaning "my God is Yahweh." It's the same root shared by Elijah, Elias, and Ilya.
The Origin & History of Ilias
As the standard modern Greek rendering of the prophet Elijah's name, Ilias has deep religious roots in Greek Orthodox tradition, where Prophet Elijah (Profitis Ilias) is widely venerated, with churches and mountain chapels across Greece named in his honor.
Personality & Traits
Ilias carries quiet strength — a name rooted in prophecy and faith, but light and easy to say in everyday use.
Cultural Reach
Ilias is common well beyond Greece, used across the Balkans and increasingly in Western Europe; footballer Ilias Chair, who plays for Queens Park Rangers and the Morocco national team, has carried the name into English football.
Popularity Over Time
Ilias has grown steadily in the US, with recorded births rising from 31 in 2023 to 66 in 2024, tracking a broader interest in short, Biblically rooted international names.
Nicknames & Variations
Related forms across languages include Elias, Ilyas (Arabic), Ilya (Russian), and Iliya. Ili and Lias both work as casual nicknames.