Hilary

“cheerful, happy”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 8% boys♀ 92% girls

#1737US 2023

463Births / yr

→Stable

26.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 191400.06% of births at peak

How to pronounce Hilary

HIL·er·ee

/ˈhɪl.ɝ.iː/ · stress on HIL · 3 syllables

“cheerful, happy”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Hilary mean and where does it come from?

Hilary comes from the Latin name 'Hilarius', which conveys cheerfulness. It became prevalent in the English-speaking world particularly during the 20th century. The name has been borne by notable figures such as Hilary Clinton, the American politician and diplomat. The name gained momentum in the 19

Cultural significance

Hilary has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of cheerful, happy.

Peak popularity

Reached #232 in 1990 — currently #1737 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Hilary?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Hilary?

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

Hilary Grace

How popular is Hilary right now?

Holding steady — currently #1737 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#1737 · Top 1.3%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1737	463	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2022	#1742	443	▲ up 5 · +7% births
2021	#1747	413	▲ up 3704 · +1777% births
2020	#5451	22	▼ down 2427 · -61% births
2015	#3024	56	▼ down 662 · -30% births
2010	#2362	80	▼ down 1277 · -63% births
2005	#1085	219	▲ up 852 · +152% births
2000	#1937	87	▼ down 613 · -30% births
1995	#1324	125	▼ down 1092 · -90% births
1990	#232	1,216	▲ up 12 · +15% births
1985	#244	1,054	▲ up 82 · +42% births
1980	#326	741	▲ up 113 · +64% births
1975	#439	452	▲ up 94 · +27% births
1970	#533	355	▲ up 85 · +43% births
1965	#618	248	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Hilary

Best Year1990Rank #232

Peak Count1,216

Average Rank#1710

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1920 - 202323 years

The story of Hilary

Hilary entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. A total of 26,179 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4432 in 1920 to #1737 in 2023. Hilary is used for both genders: 92% female and 8% male.

Names that peaked alongside Hilary in 1990:

Jessica Ashley Brittany Amanda Samantha

Hilary by decade

Hilary peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	20
1890s	24
1900s	36
1910s	311
1920s	467
1930s	403
1940s	732
1950s	1,614
1960s	2,577
1970s	5,082
1980s ★	8,448
1990s	4,576
2000s	1,361
2010s	506
2020s	22

What are good nicknames for Hilary?

FINNISH

Lari

ANCIENT GREEK

Hilarion

ANCIENT ROMAN

Hilarius

BULGARIAN

Ilarion

What names sound and feel like Hilary?

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

Hiliary

American · Cheerful, happy

American · Derived from Kimberly

Kiary

American · English

Diary

American · a record of

Valary

American · strength, valor

Dalary

American · From the valley

How is Hilary written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Hilary

What does the name Hilary mean?

Hilary means "cheerful, happy" — 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 Hilary?

Hilary is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Hilary?

Hilary 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 Hilary?

Hilary is a three-syllable name pronounced HH IH1 L ER0 IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Hilary?

Hilary pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.