Ilsa as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Ilsa

What is the meaning of the name Ilsa ?

The baby name Ilsa is a Female name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced ILL-sah (IPA: /ˈɪlsə/).

Ilsa is German in Origin.

Ilsa is a Germanic and Scandinavian short form of Elisabeth/Elisabet, ultimately from Hebrew Elisheva, interpreted as "God is my oath" or "pledged to God." The -sa ending sits alongside the more common German -se in Ilse; both developed as affectionate diminutives of Elisabeth used in northern Europe. As with many Elizabeth-forms, the name carries a dignified, devotional tone balanced by a brisk, modern sound.

Documented in German-speaking records since the 18th century, Ilsa found wider international notice through Ingrid Bergman's character Ilsa Lund in the 1942 film Casablanca. It remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, lending it a distinctive, continental flair. Close variants and cognates include Ilse, Elsa, Else, Elise, Elisa, Eliza, Elsbeth, Lisbeth, and Liesel; broader relatives are Isabel and Isabella. Often confused lookalikes Isla and Ailsa are etymologically unrelated.