ilian

Ilian is a masculine given name used in parts of Eastern Europe and the Balkans, particularly in Bulgaria and Romania, and in diaspora communities. The spelling Ilian is one of several transliterations of related forms such as Iliyan or Ilyan, which reflect local orthographies and the Cyrillic-based origins of related names.

Etymology and related forms are commonly connected to the name Elijah/Elias, either as a direct form or as a regional variant shaped by Slavic and Romance linguistic patterns. In Bulgarian, a closely related form is Iliyan (Илия́н); in Romanian contexts the name may appear as Ilian or in other closely related spellings. The precise lineage can vary by language and family tradition, and Ilian may be adopted as a standalone name in modern usage.

Usage and cultural presence: Ilian is used for boys and appears in contemporary naming trends across its regions of use. Bearers of the name have appeared in fields such as sports, academia, and the arts. The form is relatively uncommon as a surname, but it may occur as a family name in rare cases.

Variants and related names include Iliyan, Iliya, Ilia, Ilya, Elias, and Elijah, with cultural adaptations producing different spellings and pronunciations.

See also: Elias, Elijah, Ilie, Ilya, Iliya.