Atilla

Meaning of Atilla

Atilla is a masculine given name derived from the ancient Hunnic form Attila, itself rooted in a Proto-Turkic element ata “father” combined with a diminutive suffix to convey “little father.” In Hungarian usage it is articulated as ah-TIL-uh (/aˈtilə/), in Turkish as ah-TIL-uh (/aˈtɪlə/) and in English as uh-TIL-uh (/əˈtɪlə/). Historically, the name evokes Attila the Hun, the 5th-century ruler whose military reputation imparts an undertone of leadership and authority. In the United States, Atilla remains uncommon—eight newborn registrations in 2024 placed it at rank 916—highlighting its status as a distinctive choice prized more for structured phonemic design and transparent etymology than for broad popularity. It is unlikely to top kindergarten rosters, a fact that may actually appeal to parents with a meticulous affinity for precision in both sound and meaning.