Origin and Meaning of Iliya
Meaning & Origin
My God is Yahweh
Origin: Hebrew - Derived from the Hebrew name Eliyyahu (אֵלִיָּהוּ), which breaks down into 'El' (God) and 'Yah' (Yahweh).
Interesting Facts
- Iliya is a variant of the more common name Elijah, which is significant in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, associated with the prophet Elijah.
- The name Iliya can be found in various cultures and languages, particularly in Slavic regions and among Arabic-speaking populations.
- Notable bearers of the name include Iliya Ilyich Mechnikov, a Nobel Prize-winning biologist, and Iliya Kovalchuk, a well-known professional hockey player.
- In recent years, the name Iliya has gained popularity in Eastern Europe, especially in Bulgaria and Russia, though it remains less common in Western countries.
- Related names include Elijah, Eli, and Ilya, all of which also derive from the same Hebrew roots and share similar meanings.