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Ilyas

Boy name · 36 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Ilyas: 36 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 6 births in 2023.

Ilyas is the Arabic and Persian form of the biblical name Elijah, ultimately derived from the Hebrew Eliyahu, meaning “my God is Yahweh.” In Islamic tradition, Ilyas is a revered prophet, mentioned in the Quran as a righteous messenger sent to the people of Baalbek. While not as common in Scotland as its Western equivalents, the name has been carried by historical figures such as the 9th-century Nestorian patriarch Ilyas of Damascus, though few modern celebrities bear it. The name shares its etymological root with the Scottish-sounding Elias, which has seen a quiet rise in popularity. A notable place connection is the city of Ilyasabad in Iran, named after the prophet. Ilyas offers a gentle, cross-cultural bridge for families seeking a name with deep spiritual resonance and a melodic, international feel.

Boy 9 of 52 years

Peak year
20236 babies
Latest (2025)
#4956 babies
Total births
36since 2003
5-year trend
▲ 60%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2023 · 6
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).