Jillian
Youthful
American origin · Unisex name
0% boys100% girls
#1140US 2023
213Births / yr
Falling
82.3kAll-time births
📅 Since 1944🏆 2 years in top 1000.18% of births at peak
How to pronounce Jillian
JIL·ee·un
/ˈdʒɪl.iː.ən/ · stress on JIL · 2 syllables
Youthful
American origin · Unisex name

What does Jillian mean and where does it come from?

Jillian is a feminine form of the name Julian, which has Latin roots meaning 'youthful'. It became particularly popular in English-speaking countries during the 20th century. Variants of the name can be found in several cultures, including Gillian and Julienne. Noteworthy individuals include Jillian

Cultural significance
Jillian has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of youthful.
Peak popularity
Reached #96 in 1982 — currently #1140 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →

How else can you spell Jillian?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Jillian?

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

Jillian Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Jillian Rose
Floral · soft ending
Jillian Mae
Sweet · timeless
Jillian Claire
French influence · crisp
Jillian Jane
Literary · strong
Jillian Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Jillian
Browse ideas →

How popular is Jillian right now?

Falling — down 56 spots — currently #1140 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 19502023#1140 · Top 0.84%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#1140213▼ down 56 · -8% births
2022#1084231▼ down 73 · -9% births
2021#1011253▼ down 49 · -4% births
2020#962263▼ down 524 · -64% births
2015#438721▼ down 268 · -60% births
2010#1701,817▼ down 9 · -14% births
2005#1612,121▼ down 41 · -24% births
2000#1202,779▲ up 77 · +85% births
1995#1971,503▼ down 75 · -44% births
1990#1222,677▼ down 7 · +8% births
1985#1152,476▲ up 56 · +50% births
1980#1711,649▲ up 1095 · +1753% births
1975#126689▲ up 138 · +19% births
1970#140475▲ up 883 · +168% births
1965#228728

The story of Jillian

Jillian entered American naming records in 1944 and has been in use for over 80 years. Its peak popularity was #96 in 1982. A total of 82,317 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5186 in 1950 to #1140 in 2023. Jillian is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Jillian in 1982:

Jillian by decade

DecadeBirths
1940s37
1950s87
1960s334
1970s4,689
1980s25,573
1990s19,762
2000s22,853
2010s8,719
2020s263

What are good nicknames for Jillian?

ENGLISH
GillJillJillieJillyLeannaLiana
GERMAN
Liane
ITALIAN
Liana
PORTUGUESE
Liana

Common questions about the name Jillian

What does the name Jillian mean?
Jillian means "Youthful" — 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 Jillian?
Jillian is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby 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 Jillian?
Jillian 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 Jillian?
Jillian is a two-syllable name pronounced JH IH1 L IY0 AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Jillian a common or rare name?
Jillian is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.