Catalan tradition features names that stand out for their brevity and depth. One such name is Illa. Today, only a handful of women bear it, and it is rapidly fading from use. Despite its simplicity, this name carries a wealth of cultural and linguistic associations.
Three letters that mean “island” in Catalan have become one of the rarest female names. In 2025, only nine women in Catalonia were registered with this name. By comparison, there are just over thirty across all of Spain, with most living in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. Illa derives from the Latin insula, which links it to words like “peninsula” and “insular.” Yet in Catalan, it has acquired a unique resonance and meaning.
The name Illa is associated with solitude, purity, and tranquility. It is chosen by those who value simplicity and want to emphasize their connection to nature and their native language. Yet despite its beauty, the name is on the verge of disappearing. Its bearers account for less than a thousandth of a percent of all women in the region.
Symbolism and Modern Meaning
In Catalan culture, Illa is not only a given name but also a surname. The surname is much more common: in Spain, over a thousand people carry it, especially in Valencia and the Balearic Islands. Among its notable bearers is the current President of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Salvador Illa. Interestingly, both the name and the surname share the same root, though the given name remains extremely rare.
The name Illa carries symbolism that goes beyond its literal meaning. It evokes associations with something unique, separate from the rest of the world, a place of tranquility and harmony. Perhaps this very quality attracted parents who chose it for their daughters. However, in recent years, the name has almost disappeared among newborns.
Why the name is disappearing
There are several reasons why Illa is fading into the past. First, current naming trends have shifted towards more international and popular choices. Second, short and unusual names are often seen as too exotic or even strange. Nevertheless, for some families, Illa remains a symbol of connection to Catalan identity and nature.
Although the name Illa has almost vanished, it continues to live on in the memory and history of the region. Its rarity only highlights the uniqueness of each bearer. Perhaps, in the future, the interest in short and meaningful names will return, and Illa will once again appear among the names given to newborns.
