Iliana Name Meaning & Origin
Iliana
Origin of the name Iliana:
A cognate of the Greek Helenē, a name derived from ēlē (light). Var: Elena, Alena, Elaina, Elenina, Elina, Ileana, Ilene.
From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman.
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- Comments and insights on the name Iliana
I saved this name from a comic book I adored in junior high school. (though it was spelled Illyana in the X-Men books) We chose this spelling because it's the easiest and most commonly used for the name. There is some debate about origin in linguistic circles - though I tend to think it's from the Greek meaning 'bright' - from the same root as Ilya (which is the Greek name for Helen of Troy). When we chose this for our first daughter in 2004 it was uncommon, but she now knows of 2 other Ilianas in her school, which make me think the name is becoming more popular, perhaps only regionally. Though its unusal, it is rarely mispelled or misprounced. The most common mispronuncation is 'Ellie-ana'. We use the shortened form 'Ili' as a nickname, and that is the only place where some people will scoff at the name. Generally, it is well recieved (even if not at first blush) and tends to carry a creative, feminine, and mysterious connotation.
This is my name, and I love it. I can't imagine a better name. It's feminine but strong. It's rare, too. I always get compliments on it. I would advise choosing a middle name thoughtgully because my one complaint is the lack of nickname potential.
- Personal experiences with the name Iliana
- Nicknames for Iliana
Ill-ee, Liana, Ili (ee-lee), Nana, Lili, Ana, La-La
- Meanings and history of the name Iliana
- Famous real-life people named Iliana
- Iliana in song, story & screen
Iliana Dominick (Harman), a witch from the 9th book in the Night World series "Witchlight" by L.J. Smith.