Holding steady.
Popularity of Jilian since 1977
Babies named Jilian per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 42 |
| 1980s | 268 |
| 1990s | 159 |
| 2000s | 296 |
| 2010s | 38 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Jilian is a modern English spelling variant of Jillian, which itself derives from the Roman name Julian. The name first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1977, during a period when creative spellings of traditional names gained popularity. Its peak usage came in 1982, though the name never reached the top 1000. In recent years, Jilian has maintained a stable but low usage, with fewer than 5 births annually as of 2025. The name's trajectory suggests it remains a rare but recognized choice, appealing to parents seeking a phonetic variant of a classic name without the common 'Jillian' spelling. While its meaning is debated, the name carries a sense of youthfulness through its Julian roots.
Jilian is a modern English spelling variant of Jillian, itself a feminine form of Julian. Julian derives from the Roman family name Julianus, which is based on Julius. The meaning is debated but often associated with the Latin 'iulus' meaning 'downy-bearded' or 'youthful'. The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the 20th century, with the Jilian spelling emerging as a simplified phonetic variant.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jill, Jilly, Jil
Sibling names for Jilian
Names that share Jilian's style, for a brother or sister.
