Declining since 2022, #4,139 for boys today.
Popularity of Hillel since 1918
Babies named Hillel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 14 |
| 1930s | 46 |
| 1940s | 33 |
| 1950s | 73 |
| 1960s | 77 |
| 1970s | 115 |
| 1980s | 151 |
| 1990s | 161 |
| 2000s | 248 |
| 2010s | 306 |
| 2020s | 224 |
Meaning & origin
Hillel is a name with deep roots in Jewish tradition, most famously held by the great sage Hillel the Elder. In modern times, it has seen modest but steady use in the United States, first recorded in 1918 and reaching its peak rank in 2022. The name's trajectory shows a falling trend since 2022, but it remains a meaningful choice for families seeking a name with strong religious and historical associations. New York stands out as the top state for Hillel, reflecting its usage in areas with significant Jewish populations.
Hillel is a Hebrew name derived from the root הלל (hll), meaning 'to praise.' It appears in the Hebrew Bible as the father of the judge Abdon (Judges 12:13-15) and is famously borne by the first-century BCE sage Hillel the Elder, a leading figure in Jewish tradition. The name has been used consistently among Jewish communities for millennia and gained some use among English speakers in the 20th century.
Where Hillel is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Hillel” around the world
Where Hillel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hil, Hilly
Sibling names for Hillel
Names that share Hillel's style, for a brother or sister.
