Rising since 2017, #5,238 for girls today.
Popularity of Hilary since 1882
Babies named Hilary per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 20 |
| 1890s | 0 | 24 |
| 1900s | 0 | 36 |
| 1910s | 20 | 291 |
| 1920s | 38 | 428 |
| 1930s | 77 | 326 |
| 1940s | 424 | 308 |
| 1950s | 1,289 | 325 |
| 1960s | 2,411 | 166 |
| 1970s | 4,951 | 132 |
| 1980s | 8,337 | 111 |
| 1990s | 4,553 | 25 |
| 2000s | 1,362 | 0 |
| 2010s | 501 | 5 |
| 2020s | 208 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Hilary, a name rooted in the Latin word for 'cheerful,' has a long history as both a masculine and feminine given name. In the United States, it was first recorded in 1914 and reached its peak popularity in 1990, when it ranked highest among years. After a period of decline, Hilary has been rising in use since 2017, reflecting a renewed interest in classic names. In 2025, the name is given to approximately 1 in every 66,969 girls, placing it at rank 5,238. Geographically, Hilary is most popular in Texas. While the variant Hillary, notably associated with political figures, has overshadowed it, Hilary remains a distinct and elegant choice with saintly and scholarly associations.
Hilary derives from the Latin name Hilarius, meaning 'cheerful' or 'joyful' (from hilaris). The name was borne by several early Christian saints, including Saint Hilary of Poitiers in the 4th century. In England, it was used for both sexes from the Middle Ages, though it became predominantly female in the 20th century, often as a variant of Hillary.
Where Hilary 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hil, Lary
Sibling names for Hilary
Names that share Hilary's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Hilary
Names whose popularity has moved with Hilary's over the last 50 years.
