Ilona: Name Day, Name Meaning & More

Name days are cultural celebrations in many European countries, marking the traditional feast day of a saint or associated date for a given name. The name Ilona possesses a fascinating history, primarily rooted in the concept of light and brightness through its debated origins. Its aesthetic appeal gives it an elegant and romantic mood, reflecting its widespread acceptance across Eastern and Central Europe. Ilona is honored extensively throughout the year with name days occurring frequently on dates such as January 20th and August 18th. This rich tapestry of heritage makes Ilona a name steeped in tradition and resonant charm.

Name Day: Dates by Country

Ilona's name day is celebrated
on January 20 in Czechia,
January 27 in Lithuania and Poland,
February 5 in Lithuania,
March 18 in Latvia,
May 21 in Bulgaria,
August 18 in Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania and Poland and
October 9 in Finland.

The Story Behind This Name

Ilona has not achieved widespread popularity in the United States, remaining a somewhat rare and exotic choice. Its usage typically peaks in connection with waves of immigration from Central and Eastern European countries where the name is common. Historically, it appeared sporadically in US records throughout the 20th century, often associated with Hungarian or Slavic communities. The name carries an established heritage, having been used extensively in literature and folklore across various European cultures. Despite its low ranking on US popularity charts, it is recognized internationally due to its prevalence abroad.

Name origin and meaning

Ilona is a name primarily associated with Hungarian language usage, although it is widespread in Slavic and Baltic regions. Its exact etymological roots are debated, but the most accepted theory links it closely to the Greek name Helen. Consequently, it is often interpreted to share the meanings associated with Helen, such as "torch" or "shining light." Another less common theory suggests a potential connection to a Finnish word meaning "joy." Across its various forms and regions, the name broadly evokes brightness and illumination.

Name Identity: Gender Classification

Ilona is firmly established as a traditional feminine given name across nearly all regions where it is used. This classification holds true universally, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, including countries like Hungary, Poland, and Finland. There is virtually no conventional usage of Ilona as a male name in any standard naming system. In some non-European contexts, its phonetic similarity might lead to misclassification, but historically and linguistically, it is strictly female. Therefore, Ilona can be confidently classified as a distinctly feminine name worldwide.

The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality

The name Ilona often evokes an elegant and romantic mood due to its smooth pronunciation and deep European heritage. It carries a sophisticated tone that suggests classic beauty and enduring charm. There is also a strong, resonant quality to the initial 'I' and final 'a,' lending it a feeling of quiet confidence. Historically associated with brightness, the name imparts a cheerful yet refined personality impression. Overall, Ilona projects a mood that is both graceful and powerfully traditional.

A Perfectly Balanced Name with Unique Letters: Ilona

An isogrammic name is a unique type of name where no letter appears more than once. This characteristic makes it visually and structurally distinct, adding to its appeal. Such names are relatively rare, especially those with six or more letters, making them stand out even more. Having an isogrammic name gives it a balanced and harmonious look, making it a special choice.

The Harmonious Dance of Letters: Ilona

Names with a perfect alternation of vowels and consonants create a natural rhythm that is both pleasing to the ear and aesthetically balanced. This structured interplay of sounds gives these names a smooth, flowing character, making them stand out effortlessly. Their symmetry and musicality contribute to their timeless appeal across different languages and cultures.

Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Ilona

Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.

Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name

Destiny number: 6 – The Nurturer.
Keywords: Responsibility, family, love, service, harmony, compassion.
Positive Traits: Caring, nurturing, protective, supportive, artistic.
Challenges: Can be overbearing, self-sacrificing, or struggle with boundaries.
Life Path Meaning: A role centered around caregiving, relationships, and artistic pursuits.

Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights

First name number: 8 - The Achiever.
Traits: Ambitious, goal-oriented, authoritative, financially focused.
Strengths: Strong leadership, good at managing money, disciplined.
Challenges: Can be materialistic, dominant, or overly focused on success.

The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You

The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Venus - Love, Beauty, Harmony.
Venus rules love, beauty, and relationships, making names influenced by this planet exude charm, grace, and artistic sensibilities. Those with Venus-ruled names are often aesthetically inclined, diplomatic, and naturally attractive in their demeanor. They appreciate harmony in their surroundings and relationships, often seeking balance and fairness in all aspects of life.

Name days: Name Ilona

This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.

Country	Month	Day	Name days
Czechia	January	20	Ilona
Lithuania	January	27	Ilona, Jogundas, Jogunde, Natalis, Vytenis
Poland	January	27	Angelika, Ilona, Jan Chryzostom, Julian, Przybysław
Lithuania	February	5	Agota, Birute, Gaudvinas, Ilona
Latvia	March	18	Adelina, Ilona, Razna, Sartite
Bulgaria	May	21	Dicho, Dinko, Dinko, Elena, Elenko, Eli, Elin, Elka, Ilona, Kojcho, Konstantin, Kosta, Kostadin, Kostadina, Kostadinka, Kostadinko, Kuncho, Lenko, Lenko, Stamen, Stanimir, Stanimira, Stanka, Stoian, Stoil, Stoyan, Stoyanka, Trayko
Estonia	August	18	Elina, Heleene, Helen, Helena, Helene, Hell, Hella, Helle, Hellen, Helli, Ilona
Hungary	August	18	Ilona
Lithuania	August	18	Gendvile, Ilona, Mantautas, Sailenis, Saulene
Poland	August	18	Agapit, Bogusława, Bronisz, Bronisław, Helena, Ilona, Klara, Tworzysława
Finland	October	9	Ilona

Ilona A Name of Light and Grace

In conclusion, Ilona is a distinctly feminine name of debated origin, frequently associated with the concept of light and brilliance. While it maintains a relatively rare presence in the USA, it is a cultural staple across many European regions. The name radiates an elegant and strong mood, reflecting its long historical usage. Its strong presence is highlighted by its numerous observed name days, including prominent dates in August and January across countries like Hungary, Poland, and Finland. Ilona stands as a classic choice, blending sophistication with deep traditional roots.

When Is Your Name Day?

Discover your name day quickly and easily with our name day search tool. Simply enter your name in the search box below, and you'll instantly see the exact date of your name day celebration. Find out when to celebrate and never miss a special occasion!

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