Jil

Meaning & origin

Jil is a rare name in the United States, first recorded in 1945. Its peak year was 1957, though it never reached the top 1000. The name has remained very stable in its low usage, with no significant revival. Unlike many mid-century short forms, Jil did not achieve widespread popularity; it has consistently appeared only a handful of times per year. The name's trajectory is flat, reflecting its status as an uncommon variant of Jill. Top states for Jil are not available due to insufficient numbers, indicating it is scattered across the country without regional concentration.

Jil is likely a modern variant or diminutive of Jill, which itself originated as a medieval short form of Gillian, the feminine form of Julian. Alternatively, it may be a respelling of Gil, which can be a short form of Gilbert or Giles. The name has been recorded sporadically in the United States since the mid-20th century, with a peak in the 1950s, but it has never been common.