What does Hillary mean and where does it come from?
Hillary is derived from the Latin name 'Hilarius,' which means cheerful or merry. It has been used since the Middle Ages, although it really gained traction in the 20th century. Hillary is well-known due to notable figures such as Hillary Clinton, the former U.S. Secretary of State and the first fem
Cultural significance
Hillary has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of cheerful.
Peak popularity
Reached #132 in 1992 — currently #2592 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Hillary?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
How popular is Hillary right now?
Falling — down 257 spots — currently #2592 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2592 | 67 | ▼ down 257 · -15% births |
| 2024 | #2335 | 79 | ▼ down 814 · -88% births |
| 2023 | #1521 | 679 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1526 | 659 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1531 | 629 | ▲ up 1507 · +1110% births |
| 2020 | #3038 | 52 | ▼ down 1452 · -62% births |
| 2015 | #1586 | 137 | ▼ down 209 · -18% births |
| 2010 | #1377 | 168 | ▼ down 493 · -41% births |
| 2005 | #884 | 285 | ▼ down 10 · +13% births |
| 2000 | #874 | 252 | ▼ down 188 · -19% births |
| 1995 | #686 | 310 | ▼ down 494 · -80% births |
| 1990 | #192 | 1,524 | ▲ up 54 · +46% births |
| 1985 | #246 | 1,047 | ▲ up 54 · +26% births |
| 1980 | #300 | 834 | ▲ up 235 · +158% births |
| 1975 | #535 | 323 | — |
The story of Hillary
Hillary entered American naming records in 1922 and has been in use for over 102 years. A total of 29,949 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1950 in 1945 to #1521 in 2023. Hillary is used for both genders: 96% female and 4% male.
Names that peaked alongside Hillary in 1992:
Hillary by decade
Hillary peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 11 | |
| 1890s | 20 | |
| 1900s | 26 | |
| 1910s | 117 | |
| 1920s | 197 | |
| 1930s | 141 | |
| 1940s | 387 | |
| 1950s | 894 | |
| 1960s | 1,485 | |
| 1970s | 4,171 | |
| 1980s ★ | 9,706 | |
| 1990s | 8,750 | |
| 2000s | 2,704 | |
| 2010s | 1,288 | |
| 2020s | 198 | |
What are good nicknames for Hillary?
How is Hillary written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Hillary?
Common questions about the name Hillary
What does the name Hillary mean?
Hillary means "Cheerful" — 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 Hillary?
Hillary 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 Hillary?
Hillary 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 Hillary?
Hillary is a three-syllable name pronounced HIL-er-ee. 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 Hillary?
Hillary pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.