Jill
God is gracious
American origin · Unisex name
0% boys100% girls
#879US 2023
1.3kBirths / yr
Stable
208.5kAll-time births
📅 Since 1906🏆 27 years in top 1000.41% of births at peak
How to pronounce Jill
JIL
/ˈdʒɪl/ · stress on JIL · 1 syllable
God is gracious
American origin · Unisex name

What does Jill mean and where does it come from?

Jill is a diminutive form of the name Jillian, which itself is derived from the Latin name 'Julius'. The name Jill emerged in the 20th century and gained popularity in English-speaking countries. Notable people with the name include Jill Biden, the current First Lady of the United States, and Jill S

Cultural significance
Jill has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is gracious.
Peak popularity
Reached #41 in 1977 — currently #879 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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What middle names flow best with Jill?

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

Jill Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Jill Rose
Floral · soft ending
Jill Mae
Sweet · timeless
Jill Claire
French influence · crisp
Jill Jane
Literary · strong
Jill Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Jill
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How popular is Jill right now?

Holding steady — currently #879 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 19102023#879 · Top 0.65%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#8791,321▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022#8841,301▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021#8891,271▲ up 5701 · +7376% births
2020#659017▼ down 2593 · -54% births
2015#399737▼ down 1432 · -48% births
2010#256571▼ down 824 · -37% births
2005#1741113▼ down 756 · -47% births
2000#985215▼ down 420 · -47% births
1995#565408▼ down 236 · -51% births
1990#329834▼ down 186 · -59% births
1985#1432,038▼ down 77 · -55% births
1980#664,557▼ down 20 · -20% births
1975#465,727▲ up 6 · -16% births
1970#526,807▼ down 1 · -13% births
1965#517,821

The story of Jill

Jill entered American naming records in 1906 and has been in use for over 118 years. Its peak popularity was #41 in 1977. More than 208,469 babies have been named Jill since 1906. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2336 in 1910 to #879 in 2023. Jill is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Jill in 1977:

Jill by decade

DecadeBirths
1900s5
1910s53
1920s256
1930s1,578
1940s11,892
1950s39,121
1960s69,307
1970s55,250
1980s24,480
1990s4,752
2000s1,334
2010s424
2020s17

What are good nicknames for Jill?

ENGLISH
JillieJilly
ANCIENT ROMAN
Iulianus
BASQUE
Julen
BULGARIAN
Yulian

Common questions about the name Jill

What does the name Jill mean?
Jill means "God is gracious" — 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 Jill?
Jill is currently ranked #879 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 Jill?
Jill 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 Jill?
Jill is a one-syllable name pronounced JH IH1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Jill sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Jill flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Jill ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.