Pledged to God
A diminutive of Elisabeth, Ilse has long functioned as an independent name in Germanic cultures. It carries the same religious weight as its parent name, signifying a sacred oath or devotion. While widely recognized in Europe, it remains a rare and distinctive choice for parents in the United States.
Less common today
Ilse isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #1,512 in 1994.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
German war criminal
The female lead played by Ingrid Bergman · Casablanca
Dutch country and pop singer
Austrian writer known for her accounts of persecution
A character in the play and musical Spring Awakening · Spring Awakening
