What does Dillard mean and where does it come from?
Dillard originated as an English surname derived from the Old French 'dillart,' a term describing someone who cared for dill, an herb. It has been used as a first name since the 19th century in the United States and was popularized by some notable figures in the early to mid-20th century.
Cultural significance
Dillard has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the dill herb.
Peak popularity
Reached #590 in 1898 — currently #1757 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Dillard?
Dillard works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dillard Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Dillard Rose
Floral · soft ending
Dillard Mae
Sweet · timeless
Dillard Claire
French influence · crisp
Dillard Jane
Literary · strong
Dillard Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Dillard right now?
Holding steady — currently #1757 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1757 | 443 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1762 | 423 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1767 | 393 | ▲ up 10481 · +7760% births |
| 2010 | #12248 | 5 | ▼ down 3942 · -37% births |
| 2005 | #8306 | 8 | ▼ down 1302 · +14% births |
| 1995 | #7004 | 7 | ▼ down 2824 · -46% births |
| 1990 | #4180 | 13 | ▼ down 740 · +8% births |
| 1980 | #3440 | 12 | ▼ down 1068 · -33% births |
| 1975 | #2372 | 18 | ▼ down 571 · -25% births |
| 1970 | #1801 | 24 | ▲ up 59 · +33% births |
| 1965 | #1860 | 18 | ▼ down 540 · -50% births |
| 1960 | #1320 | 36 | ▼ down 203 · -18% births |
| 1955 | #1117 | 44 | ▲ up 87 · +22% births |
| 1950 | #1204 | 36 | ▼ down 318 · -29% births |
| 1945 | #886 | 51 | — |
The story of Dillard
Dillard has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 3,729 total births recorded, Dillard remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #612 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1757 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Dillard in 1898:
Dillard by decade
Dillard peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 86 | |
| 1890s | 73 | |
| 1900s | 132 | |
| 1910s | 440 | |
| 1920s ★ | 816 | |
| 1930s | 673 | |
| 1940s | 548 | |
| 1950s | 362 | |
| 1960s | 230 | |
| 1970s | 138 | |
| 1980s | 72 | |
| 1990s | 102 | |
| 2000s | 41 | |
| 2010s | 16 | |
💎With 3,729 total births, Dillard is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Dillard?
What names sound and feel like Dillard?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dillard also consider these
Common questions about the name Dillard
What does the name Dillard mean?
Dillard means "From the dill herb" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Dillard?
Dillard is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Dillard?
Dillard originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Dillard?
Dillard is a two-syllable name pronounced D IH1 L AA1 R D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Dillard a common or rare name?
Dillard is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.