Origin and Meaning of Ilse

Meaning & Origin

God's promise

Origin: German - Derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva (אֱלִישֶׁבַע), which means 'God is my oath' or 'God's promise'.

Interesting Facts

  • Ilse is often considered a diminutive of the name Elisabeth, which has been popular in various cultures over centuries.
  • The name Ilse has found widespread use in Germany and the Netherlands, and it may also be used in Scandinavian countries.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Ilse Koch, a prominent figure in German history, and Ilse Bing, a pioneering German photographer known for her work in the 20th century.
  • Ilse was more common in Germany in the early to mid-20th century but has seen fluctuations in popularity since then.
  • Variations of the name include Ilsa and Else, with similar roots in the name Elisabeth.