Gilman

“Servant of the host”

English origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1994US 2023

206Births / yr

→Stable

935All-time births

📅 Since 188700.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Gilman

GILM·un

/ˈɡɪlm.ən/ · stress on GILM · 2 syllables

“Servant of the host”

English origin · Boy name

What does Gilman mean and where does it come from?

Gilman has Old German origins, where 'Gil' means 'gift' and 'man' indicates 'man or servant.' The name has been historically used in various English-speaking countries, including the USA, and has roots dating back to medieval times. Famous individuals with this name include Gilman Louie, an entrepre

Cultural significance

Gilman has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of servant of the host.

Peak popularity

Reached #919 in 1887 — currently #1994 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Gilman?

Gilman works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Gilman Grace

How popular is Gilman right now?

Holding steady — currently #1994 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2023#1994 · Top 1.5%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1980

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1994	206	▲ up 5 · +11% births
2022	#1999	186	▲ up 5 · +19% births
2021	#2004	156	▲ up 4338 · +3020% births
1980	#6342	5	▼ down 2753 · -17% births
1965	#3589	6	▼ down 1014 · -45% births
1960	#2575	11	▼ down 107
1955	#2468	11	▲ up 164 · +22% births
1950	#2632	9	▼ down 980 · -47% births
1945	#1652	17	▲ up 113 · +6% births
1940	#1765	16	▼ down 86 · -11% births
1935	#1679	18	▲ up 162 · +6% births
1930	#1841	17	▼ down 69 · -15% births
1925	#1772	20	▲ up 65 · +5% births
1920	#1837	19	▼ down 306 · -10% births
1915	#1531	21	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Gilman

Best Year1915Rank #1531

Peak Count206

Average Rank#2335

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1910 - 202316 years

The story of Gilman

Gilman has been a beloved American name for over 137 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1887. With 935 total births recorded, Gilman remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1684 in 1910, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1994 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Gilman in 1887:

John William James George Charles

Gilman by decade

Gilman peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	6
1900s	12
1910s	188
1920s ★	206
1930s	182
1940s	183
1950s	92
1960s	55
1980s	5
1990s	6

💎Gilman has only 935 total recorded births since 1887 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Gilman?

Common

GilGiIlman

What names sound and feel like Gilman?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gilman also consider these

Gillman

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Ilman

English · A meaningful name

Gilan

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hilman

Germanic · man from the

Gilmar

Portuguese-speaking countries · Germanic

Wilman

American · resolute protection

Tilman

Germanic · German

Girtman

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Common questions about the name Gilman

What does the name Gilman mean?

Gilman means "Servant of the host" — a name rooted in English 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 Gilman?

Gilman 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 Gilman?

Gilman originates from English tradition. English 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 Gilman?

Gilman is a two-syllable name pronounced G IH1 L M AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Gilman a common or rare name?

Gilman is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.