Holding steady.
Popularity of Gilliam since 1914
Babies named Gilliam per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Gilliam's real moment was 1914.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 21 |
| 1920s | 0 | 47 |
| 1930s | 0 | 27 |
| 1940s | 0 | 6 |
| 1950s | 0 | 35 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 6 |
| 1980s | 10 | 5 |
| 1990s | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Gilliam is a rare given name with origins in the English surname tradition. First recorded in 1914, it appeared in the 1910s but never gained traction; its peak year was also 1914, and the trajectory has remained stable with virtually no usage. The name did not appear in any state's top names, indicating its obscurity. As a surname-derived choice, Gilliam reflects an early 20th-century naming pattern where family names were repurposed as first names, but it never achieved the popularity of similar names like Ellis or Roy. For parents seeking a truly unique name with a vintage feel, Gilliam offers a distinctive option, though it may require explanation due to its rarity.
Gilliam is a rare given name that likely derives from the English surname Gilliam, which itself may be a variant of Gillam or a derivative of the medieval given name William. The name has been in sporadic use since the early 20th century, but it has never achieved widespread popularity. Its appearance in the 1910s suggests a possible surname-as-first-name trend of that era.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gil, Gilly
Variants: Gillam
Sibling names for Gilliam
Names that share Gilliam's style, for a brother or sister.
