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 #5810 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Jill?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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
One syllable · timeless choice
Jill Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Jill Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Jill Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Jill Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Jill Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Jill right now?
Rising fast — up 459 spots — currently #5810 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5810 | 21 | ▲ up 459 · +11% births |
| 2024 | #6269 | 19 | ▼ down 5390 · -99% births |
| 2023 | #879 | 1,321 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #884 | 1,301 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #889 | 1,271 | ▲ up 5701 · +7376% births |
| 2020 | #6590 | 17 | ▼ down 2593 · -54% births |
| 2015 | #3997 | 37 | ▼ down 1432 · -48% births |
| 2010 | #2565 | 71 | ▼ down 824 · -37% births |
| 2005 | #1741 | 113 | ▼ down 756 · -47% births |
| 2000 | #985 | 215 | ▼ down 420 · -47% births |
| 1995 | #565 | 408 | ▼ down 236 · -51% births |
| 1990 | #329 | 834 | ▼ down 186 · -59% births |
| 1985 | #143 | 2,038 | ▼ down 77 · -55% births |
| 1980 | #66 | 4,557 | ▼ down 20 · -20% births |
| 1975 | #46 | 5,727 | — |
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
Jill peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 53 | |
| 1920s | 256 | |
| 1930s | 1,578 | |
| 1940s | 11,892 | |
| 1950s | 39,121 | |
| 1960s ★ | 69,307 | |
| 1970s | 55,250 | |
| 1980s | 24,480 | |
| 1990s | 4,752 | |
| 2000s | 1,334 | |
| 2010s | 424 | |
| 2020s | 57 | |
What are good nicknames for Jill?
What names sound and feel like Jill?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Jill also consider these
How is Jill written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Jill?
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 JIL. 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.