Alternative writing: Ilhem

Gender: Unisex

Arabic writing: إلهام

The Meaning Behind Ilham

Ilham is an Arabic name meaning “inspiration”. It is derived from the Arabic root word, “لهم”, connoting the act of motivating or inspiring. Giver of inspiration is regarded as a divine attribute in Arabic culture, hence, the name Ilham carries a spiritual undertone. Apart from its literal meaning, the nuances associated with Ilham suggest a visionary, creative spirit, and is often bestowed upon a person who is expected to impact others positively.

Historical Origins

Ilham has ancient Arabic and Islamic origins. The name is mentioned in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, underscoring its significance in Islamic culture. However, there is no record of any historical figures with the name. Over time, Ilham has gained widespread popularity across different cultures and languages. It has variants like Ilhem and Elham in languages like Persian, Turkish and Urdu.

Popularity and Geographic Distribution

Ilham, although rooted in Arabic, has widespread usage across the Arab world and beyond. It is a popular name in countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The popularity of Ilham has remarkably grown in the last few decades due to its rich and nuanced meaning. The name is commonly found among Muslim communities worldwide.

Famous Personalities

– Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev (President of Azerbaijan)