"pillar, column"
Origin: Latin pila
Language: English
Pilar
Pronunciation: [ p-EYEL-er ]
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Built to last, strong as the pillar it names
Spanish
Latin American
American
Multicultural
Strong
Distinctive
International
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"Our Lady of the Pillar (Marian title)"
Origin: Spanish Catholic
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Pilar is traditionally a feminine name in Spanish culture; using it for a boy may cause confusion in Spanish-speaking contexts
The Story of Pilar
Pilar comes from the Spanish title for the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Our Lady of the Pillar), referring to a miraculous apparition in Zaragoza, Spain, where Mary appeared to Saint James standing on a pillar. The word pilar itself comes from the Latin pila, meaning column or pillar, a symbol of strength, support, and endurance. While Pilar is traditionally a feminine name in the Spanish-speaking world, its strong, architectural meaning and international sound have made it appealing as a distinctive cross-gender choice in the United States. On a boy, it carries an unusual, boldly international quality.
Pilar has been used occasionally for boys in the US as parents embrace gender-fluid naming and seek names with international sophistication. The strength of its meaning — a literal pillar — resonates particularly well for a son, even though the name’s cultural origins are feminine.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, Spain is one of the most visited Catholic shrines in the world, making Pilar a name with profound religious and cultural significance across the Spanish-speaking world. Spain celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar on October 12th, which is also Spain’s National Day.
Historical Record
Pilar first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 409 babies have been named Pilar in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Pilar is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #20,097 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- October 12th is both Columbus Day in the Americas and the Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar in Spain, making it one of the most historically layered days in the Hispanic world
- The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza is one of the largest churches in the world, capable of holding 10,000 worshippers
- Ernest Hemingway featured Pilar as the name of a boat and a female character in For Whom the Bell Tolls, set in Spain
Pilar in Other Languages
French
Pilier
Catalan
Pilar
Italian
Pilare
Spanish
Pilar
Popularity Over Time
#20,097
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Pilar with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #20,097
- Total SSA Count
- 6
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Latin American American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pil
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Pilar
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Pilar is also used as a girl name, ranked #3452.
View Pilar as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Spanish)
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Day
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Old English origin
"daylight, the day"
#20,203 in US
Cline
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German origin
"small, little"
#19,898 in US
Flemon
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Old English/Flemish origin
"from Flanders, Flemish person"
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Old English origin
"stony forest"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pilar
What does the name Pilar mean?
"pillar, column" (from Latin pila). "Our Lady of the Pillar (Marian title)" (from Spanish Catholic). Pilar comes from the Spanish title for the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Our Lady of the Pillar), referring to a miraculous apparition in Zaragoza, Spain, where Mary appeared to Saint James standing on a pillar. The word pilar itself comes from the Latin pila, meaning column or pillar, a symbol of strength, support, and endurance. While Pilar is traditionally a feminine name in the Spanish-speaking world, its strong, architectural meaning and international sound have made it appealing as a distinctive cross-gender choice in the United States. On a boy, it carries an unusual, boldly international quality.
What is the origin of the name Pilar?
Pilar has Latin pila, Spanish Catholic, Spanish, Latin American, and American origins. In Latin pila, it means "pillar, column". In Spanish Catholic, it means "Our Lady of the Pillar (Marian title)".
Is Pilar a boy or girl name?
Pilar is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #20097. As a girl name, it is ranked #3452. Pilar is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Pilar?
Pilar is pronounced p-EYEL-er.
How popular is the name Pilar?
Pilar is currently ranked #20097 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Pilar?
Common nicknames for Pilar include Pil.
What are good middle names for Pilar?
Popular middle name pairings include Pilar Antonio, Pilar Manuel, Pilar James, Pilar Alexander, and Pilar Rafael.
What are good sibling names for Pilar?
Names that pair well with Pilar as siblings include Carmen, Paloma, Diego, and Ignacio.
How many syllables does Pilar have?
Pilar has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Pilar a common or rare name?
Pilar is an uncommon name, ranked #20097 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Pilar
Pilar is a boy name with Spanish, Latin American, and American origins . The name means "pillar, column" in Latin pila .
Is Pilar a boy or girl name? Pilar is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #20,097 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #3,452. Pilar is more commonly used as a girl name.
Pilar is currently ranked #20,097 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Pilar has 2 syllables and is pronounced p-EYEL-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Pilar include Pil. 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