Ilsa Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Ilsa
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name ILSA. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Ilsa
Gender
Female
Origin
German
Lucky Number
5
Meaning of the Name
Ilsa is a German feminine name that serves as a short form of Elizabeth. It carries the meaning 'God is my oath' or 'consecrated to God,' reflecting its biblical origins through its connection to the name Elizabeth.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Mercury
Positive Nature
Adventurous, dynamic, curious, and social.
Negative Traits
Restless, impatient, inconsistent, prone to indulgence.
Lucky Colours
Green, white.
Lucky Days
Wednesday.
Lucky Stones
Emerald.
Harmony Numbers
1, 3, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Sales, marketing, travel, entertainment.
What People Like About You
Versatility, charisma, adventurous spirit.
Famous People Named Ilsa
Ilsa Lund
Fictional character
Iconic romantic heroine from the film Casablanca
Ilsa Stahl
Actress
German actress known for European television and theater roles
Ilsa Konrads
Swimmer
Australian Olympic swimmer and world record holder
Ilsa Barea
Writer and translator
Austrian writer known for Spanish literature translations
Name Variations & International Equivalents
Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.
Cultural & Historical Significance
In German naming traditions, Ilsa represents a bridge between classical biblical names and more modern, streamlined forms, reflecting changing social attitudes toward naming conventions throughout the 20th century. The name's association with strong, complex female characters in literature and film has given it cultural weight beyond its linguistic origins, making it a name that suggests both tradition and independent spirit. Its continued, though modest, usage demonstrates how certain names can maintain cultural relevance through their symbolic associations rather than sheer popularity.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Ilsa are often perceived as strong-willed, intelligent, and emotionally complex. They tend to possess a quiet determination and resilience that serves them well in challenging situations, combined with a romantic idealism that gives them depth of character. The name suggests someone who is both practical and dreamy—capable of handling real-world responsibilities while maintaining a rich inner life. Ilsas are typically seen as loyal friends and partners who value deep connections over superficial relationships.
Their strength is often tempered with compassion, making them natural caregivers and confidantes who others turn to in times of need. This combination of practicality and emotional depth creates individuals who can navigate both the practical demands of life and the complexities of human relationships with equal grace. The name Ilsa carries an air of sophistication and worldliness, suggesting someone who is cultured and thoughtful, yet grounded and reliable. These perceived traits make Ilsa a name associated with women who leave lasting impressions through their integrity and depth of character rather than flashy displays of personality.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary times, Ilsa remains a distinctive but uncommon choice, particularly favored by parents seeking German heritage names or vintage revivals. While it never reached the popularity of its cousin Elsa (boosted by Disney's Frozen), Ilsa maintains a steady, niche presence in German-speaking countries and among families with German ancestry. The name has seen a slight resurgence in recent years as part of the trend toward vintage names with strong character. It's considered sophisticated and slightly aristocratic, appealing to parents who want a name that's both traditional and uncommon. Current usage trends show it appearing more frequently in urban, educated demographics who appreciate its cinematic history and European elegance. The name's relative rarity in the modern era gives it a distinctive quality that many parents find appealing in an age of common names.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Ilsa represents the intersection of strength and vulnerability, tradition and modernity. The name carries connotations of enduring love and loyalty (from its Casablanca associations) while also symbolizing resilience and adaptability. As a diminutive of Elizabeth ('God is my oath'), it maintains the symbolic weight of commitment and faithfulness to one's principles. Ilsa evokes images of European sophistication, wartime romance, and quiet determination. The name suggests someone who can weather storms while maintaining their core identity—a symbolic anchor in turbulent times. It represents the idea that true strength often comes in gentle packages, and that tradition can be carried forward in modern, streamlined forms without losing its essential character. In a broader sense, Ilsa symbolizes the enduring power of love and principle over circumstance, making it a name rich with metaphorical meaning.