Declining since 1988, #1,261 for girls today.
Popularity of Jillian since 1944
Babies named Jillian per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 37 |
| 1950s | 86 |
| 1960s | 333 |
| 1970s | 4,661 |
| 1980s | 25,446 |
| 1990s | 19,725 |
| 2000s | 22,822 |
| 2010s | 8,730 |
| 2020s | 1,357 |
Meaning & origin
Jillian emerged in the United States in 1944 and climbed steadily in popularity, reaching its peak rank in 1982. Since 1988, its usage has been in decline, and as of 2025 it ranks 1261st, with about 1 in 9081 newborn girls receiving the name. This trajectory reflects a broader shift away from once fashionable 1980s names. The name was most popular in Kansas, Missouri, and Ohio during its peak years. While still recognized, Jillian has become a less common choice for parents today, though it retains a classic, preppy feel through its ties to the name Julian.
Jillian is a modern English spelling of Gillian, which is a feminine form of Julian, ultimately derived from the Latin Julianus, a name stemming from the Roman family name Iulius. The name became associated with the Latin word iuvenilis meaning 'youthful.' It has been used in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages, often as a variant of Jill.
Where Jillian 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: Jill, Jilly, Jillie
Sibling names for Jillian
Names that share Jillian's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Lauren, Vanessa, Elisabeth, Katherine, Megan, Justine, Jaclyn, Kayleen, Alysson, Jamee, Jenell, Joslin, Marlaina, Robynn, Ryanna, Hollyann, Jazalyn, Jewelia, Josilyn, Karianne, Laren, Shalane, Genae, Jackee, Jamesa, Jancie, Janeene, Kathelyn, Leiann, Aubrianne, Coriann, Dariann, Hollyanne, Jackalynn, Jakki, Jammi, Javanna, Jessina, Jhoanna
Brothers: Andrew, Benjamin, Christopher, Dylan, Nicholas, Jamey, Jasson, Jerred, Jerrick, Jerson, Juston, Justyn, Derell, Janathan, Jaquel, Jerimy, Jerman, Jeromie, Jerremy, Jhonathan, Trevian, Jarome, Jasin, Jazon, Jerime, Jerran, Joshaua, Jarrius, Jeffey, Jeffree, Jhan, Jimmi, Johathon, Jonavin
Names like Jillian
Names whose popularity has moved with Jillian's over the last 50 years.
