Atilla

at-TILL-uh

Turkish and Azerbaijani form of Attila

"little father"

Atilla Origin and Meaning

The name Atilla is a boy's name meaning "little father".

While English speaking countries might heavily associate this name with the 5th century Attila the Hun, it remains a popular choice in Azerbaijan - and Hungary, with the Attila spelling.

Usually said to derive from the Gothic word atta meaning "father", other sources suggest Atilla might also have Turkic etymology. Theories include that it comes from the Turkic elements as and til meaning "the oceanic ruler"; that it derives from the word atli meaning "cavalry" or " horseman"; or, that it is borrowed from an old name for the Volga River in Russia, once known as Atil or Itil.

Notable bearers include musician Atilla Engin and poet and writer Attilâ İlhan.

Atilla Popularity

• 472 Germany 2016
• 29 Azerbaijan 2022