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 #1521 in the US.
🌿
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
What middle names flow best with Hillary?
Hillary works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Hillary Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Hillary Rose
Floral · soft ending
Hillary Mae
Sweet · timeless
Hillary Claire
French influence · crisp
Hillary Jane
Literary · strong
Hillary Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Hillary right now?
Holding steady — currently #1521 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 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 | ▲ up 102 · +25% births |
| 1970 | #637 | 258 | ▲ up 348 · +132% births |
| 1965 | #985 | 111 | — |
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 | 52 | |
What are good nicknames for Hillary?
What names sound and feel like Hillary?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hillary also consider these
How is Hillary written in other languages?
Gender variants 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 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 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.