Declining since 1997, #4,857 for boys today.
Popularity of Gil since 1914
Babies named Gil per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 39 |
| 1920s | 114 |
| 1930s | 160 |
| 1940s | 381 |
| 1950s | 915 |
| 1960s | 900 |
| 1970s | 516 |
| 1980s | 508 |
| 1990s | 508 |
| 2000s | 469 |
| 2010s | 320 |
| 2020s | 141 |
Meaning & origin
Gil is a concise name with deep roots, carrying a meaning of 'joy' in Hebrew. It first entered U.S. records in 1914, saw a peak in popularity in 1957, and has been gradually falling since 1997. By 2025, it ranks 4857 with just 1 in 85404 births, making it a rare but cheerful choice. Its versatility as a standalone name or nickname for Gilbert or Gilberto adds to its appeal. While not tied to any specific top states, Gil maintains a consistent, understated presence.
Gil is a name with multiple origins. In Hebrew, it derives from the root גיל (gyl), meaning 'joy' or 'happiness,' and appears in the Torah. It also functions as a short form of Gilbert (from Old French Gislebert, 'bright pledge') or Gilberto (Spanish/Portuguese form). As an independent name, Gil was used in English-speaking countries from the 20th century, often as a nickname.
Sibling names for Gil
Names that share Gil's style, for a brother or sister.
