A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Hilario since 1885
Babies named Hilario per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1996, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Hilario's real moment was 1910.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 18 |
| 1900s | 12 |
| 1910s | 160 |
| 1920s | 399 |
| 1930s | 347 |
| 1940s | 355 |
| 1950s | 393 |
| 1960s | 359 |
| 1970s | 448 |
| 1980s | 513 |
| 1990s | 625 |
| 2000s | 549 |
| 2010s | 339 |
| 2020s | 159 |
Meaning & origin
Hilario is a distinctly uncommon Spanish masculine name that carries a cheerful meaning. Its U.S. usage peaked early, with its highest rank in 1910 at 3,658th overall, reflecting modest but consistent use within Spanish-speaking communities. After a period of decline, the name has shown a resurgence since 2022, suggesting a slow but renewed interest. With approximately 1 in 57,000 boys receiving the name in 2025, it remains a rare choice. The name has been primarily concentrated in California and Texas, states with large Hispanic populations. Hilario offers a classic yet underused alternative to more common Latin-derived names like Hilary or Julio.
Hilario is the Spanish and Portuguese form of the Latin name Hilarius, derived from hilaris meaning 'cheerful' or 'merry'. The name was borne by several early saints, including a 4th-century pope. It has been used consistently in Spanish-speaking countries, though it remains uncommon in the United States.
Where Hilario is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Hilario” around the world
Where Hilario 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: Hila, Lalo, Ario
Sibling names for Hilario
Names that share Hilario's style, for a brother or sister.
