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Ilaria

Girl name · 27 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Ilaria: 27 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 6 births in 2019.

Ilaria is the elegant Italian feminine form of the Latin name Hilarius, meaning "cheerful" or "joyful," derived from *hilaris*. This sunny essence has been carried by notable women including Ilaria Alpi, a fearless Italian journalist murdered in Somalia in 1994 while investigating corruption, and Ilaria del Carretto, the 15th-century noblewoman whose serene tomb sculpture is a treasure of Renaissance Lucca. While no major place bears the name directly, its root connects to Saint Hilary and the English name Hilary, though Ilaria feels far more lyrical. In Scotland, Ilaria remains a rare but growing choice, often chosen by families with Italian heritage or those drawn to its melodic, international charm and positive meaning.