Hillel

“to praise” — Associated with Hillel the Elder

Hebrew origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#2857US 2023

44Births / yr

↓Falling

1.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 191800

How to pronounce Hillel

hil·EL

/ˌhɪl.ˈɛl/ · stress on EL · 2 syllables

“to praise”

Associated with Hillel the Elder · Hebrew origin

What does Hillel mean and where does it come from?

Hillel is a Hebrew name famously associated with Hillel the Elder, a noteworthy Jewish scholar who lived in the first century BCE. The name has deep religious and cultural significance within Judaism, emphasizing themes of wisdom, leadership, and the importance of learning. Hillel is sometimes used

Cultural significance

Hillel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to praise.

Peak popularity

Reached #2348 in 1957 — currently #2857 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Hillel?

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

Hillel Grace

How popular is Hillel right now?

Falling — down 56 spots — currently #2857 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1930–2023#2857 · Top 2.1%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#2857	44	▼ down 56 · -4% births
2022	#2801	46	▲ up 134 · +10% births
2021	#2935	42	▲ up 612 · +40% births
2020	#3547	30	▲ up 450 · +15% births
2015	#3997	26	▲ up 124 · +8% births
2010	#4121	24	▼ down 283
2005	#3838	24	▼ down 37 · +14% births
2000	#3801	21	▼ down 332 · +11% births
1995	#3469	19	▼ down 374 · -5% births
1990	#3095	20	▼ down 225 · +18% births
1985	#2870	17	▼ down 100
1980	#2770	17	▲ up 760 · +70% births
1975	#3530	10	▼ down 348
1970	#3182	10	▲ up 982 · +100% births
1965	#4164	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Hillel

Best Year1980Rank #2770

Peak Count46

Average Rank#3482

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1930 - 202319 years

The story of Hillel

Hillel entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. With 1,255 total births recorded, Hillel remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3540 in 1930 to #2857 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Hillel in 1957:

Michael James David Robert John

Hillel by decade

Hillel peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	5
1920s	14
1930s	46
1940s	33
1950s	73
1960s	77
1970s	115
1980s	150
1990s	161
2000s	248
2010s ★	303
2020s	30

💎With 1,255 total births, Hillel is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Hillel?

Common

HilHiIllel

Famous people named Hillel

Hillel (historical community leader)

Hillel led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

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What names sound and feel like Hillel?

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

Hilel

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Hiller

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Hillell

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Hinkel

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Hippel

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Hittel

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Himel

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Bilel

Arabic · A Arabic name

How is Hillel written in other languages?

הִלֵּל

Hebrew

Common questions about the name Hillel

What does the name Hillel mean?

Hillel means "to praise" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Hillel?

Hillel is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Hillel?

Hillel originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Hillel?

Hillel is a two-syllable name pronounced HH IH2 L EH1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Hillel a common or rare name?

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