"cheerful, merry, joyful"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Hilary
Pronunciation: [ h-IHL-er-ee ]
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A cheerful Latin name with centuries of history
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Meaning & Origin
"joyful, exuberant"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Hillary Clinton, creating strong political associations for some families (since 1990s)
The Story of Hilary
Hilary comes from the Latin 'hilarius' meaning 'cheerful' or 'merry,' which derives from the Greek 'hilaros.' Saint Hilary of Poitiers (310-367 AD) was a theologian and Doctor of the Church, and the English Hilary term (the university and legal term beginning in January) is named after his feast day. Historically, Hilary was used for both boys and girls, though it became predominantly feminine in the 20th century.
Hilary/Hillary was most popular in the English-speaking world in the 1970s-1980s. The rise of Hillary Clinton as a political figure in the 1990s and 2000s created strong political associations that made some parents hesitant to use the name, contributing to its decline.
The Hilary term at Oxford, Cambridge, and in the British legal system runs from January 13 to March 31, named for Saint Hilary of Poitiers whose feast is January 13. This gives the name an academic, prestigious association in British culture.
Historical Record
Hilary first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 23,585 babies have been named Hilary in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Hilary is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #4,118 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Hilary Term at Oxford and Cambridge universities is named after Saint Hilary of Poitiers, whose feast day falls on January 13
- Hilary was used as a male name in England well into the 20th century — Hilary Belloc and Hilary Mantel both carried the name
Hilary in Other Languages
Latin
Hilarius
French
Hilaire
German
Hilarius
Italian
Ilario/Ilaria
Spanish
Hilario/Hilaria
Popularity Over Time
#4,118
Current Rank
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Hilary
H
Hilary Duff
Musician
1987
American actress and pop singer who rose to fame with the Disney series Lizzie McGuire
H
Hilary Mantel
Writer
1952
Two-time Booker Prize-winning British novelist, author of the Wolf Hall trilogy
H
Hillary Clinton
Politician
1947
US Secretary of State, Senator, and first female major-party presidential nominee in American history
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #4,118
- Total SSA Count
- 35
- Cultural Origins
- English American British
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Hil
Hill
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Hilary
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Hilary is also used as a boy name, ranked #28028.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hilary
What does the name Hilary mean?
"cheerful, merry, joyful" (from Latin). "joyful, exuberant" (from Greek). Hilary comes from the Latin 'hilarius' meaning 'cheerful' or 'merry,' which derives from the Greek 'hilaros.' Saint Hilary of Poitiers (310-367 AD) was a theologian and Doctor of the Church, and the English Hilary term (the university and legal term beginning in January) is named after his feast day. Historically, Hilary was used for both boys and girls, though it became predominantly feminine in the 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Hilary?
Hilary has Latin, Greek, English, American, and British origins. In Latin, it means "cheerful, merry, joyful". In Greek, it means "joyful, exuberant".
Is Hilary a boy or girl name?
Hilary is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #4118. As a boy name, it is ranked #28028. Hilary is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Hilary?
Hilary is pronounced h-IHL-er-ee.
How popular is the name Hilary?
Hilary is currently ranked #4118 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Hilary?
Common nicknames for Hilary include Hil and Hill.
What are good middle names for Hilary?
Popular middle name pairings include Hilary Anne, Hilary Jane, Hilary Clare, Hilary Rose, Hilary Grace, and Hilary Marie.
What are good sibling names for Hilary?
Names that pair well with Hilary as siblings include Mallory, Avery, Ellery, Bradley, Courtney, and Morgan.
How many syllables does Hilary have?
Hilary has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Hilary a common or rare name?
Hilary is an uncommon name, ranked #4118 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Hilary
Hilary is a girl name with English, American, and British origins . The name means "cheerful, merry, joyful" in Latin .
Is Hilary a boy or girl name? Hilary is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #4,118 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #28,028. Hilary is more commonly used as a girl name.
Hilary is currently ranked #4,118 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Hilary has 3 syllables and is pronounced h-IHL-er-ee, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Hilary include Hil and Hill. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis