Declining since 1999, #3,296 for girls today.
Popularity of Gillian since 1922
Babies named Gillian per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 12 |
| 1940s | 128 |
| 1950s | 234 |
| 1960s | 758 |
| 1970s | 1,329 |
| 1980s | 2,384 |
| 1990s | 4,152 |
| 2000s | 5,489 |
| 2010s | 1,263 |
| 2020s | 305 |
Meaning & origin
Gillian, the English feminine form of Julian, has seen fluctuating popularity over the past century. First recorded in the U.S. in 1922, it reached its peak rank in 1999, when it was most frequently given. Since then, its usage has been steadily declining, with a current rank of 3,296 in 2025 and an occurrence rate of about 1 in 34,197 births. The name has particular historical strength in Ohio, California, and Texas, which have been the top states for Gillian over its recorded history. Despite its decline, Gillian retains a classic, understated charm that appeals to parents seeking a traditional name with a soft, feminine sound.
Gillian is the English feminine form of the Latin name Iulianus, a derivative of Iulius (the Roman family name of Julius Caesar), meaning 'youthful' or 'downy-bearded'. It arose in medieval England as a variant of Julian, and was commonly spelled Gillian by the 16th century. The name was especially popular in the Middle Ages but declined after the 19th century, later revived in the mid-20th century.
Where Gillian is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Gillian” around the world
Where Gillian lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gill, Jilly, Jill
Sibling names for Gillian
Names that share Gillian's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Gillian
Names whose popularity has moved with Gillian's over the last 50 years.
