Pilot

“one who steers or guides”

English origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#10518US 2023

7Births / yr

↑Rising

142All-time births

📅 Since 200500

How to pronounce Pilot

PEYE·lut

/ˈpaɪ.lət/ · stress on PEYE · 2 syllables

“one who steers or guides”

English origin · Boy name

What does Pilot mean and where does it come from?

Pilot is an English word that has recently been adopted as a personal name. The term refers to a person who navigates or steers a vehicle, especially an aircraft. The name evokes imagery of adventure and leadership. It is gaining popularity as a modern, gender-neutral name, especially in the U.S. an

Cultural significance

Pilot has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of one who steers or guides.

Peak popularity

Reached #5097 in 2009 — currently #10518 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Pilot?

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

Pilot Grace

How popular is Pilot right now?

Rising fast — up 3310 spots — currently #10518 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2005–2023#10518 · Top 7.8%

2005

2010

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#10518	7	▲ up 3310 · +40% births
2022	#13828	5	▼ down 243
2021	#13585	5	▼ down 7630 · -67% births
2015	#5955	15	▲ up 3606 · +88% births
2010	#9561	8	▲ up 562 · +14% births
2005	#10123	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Pilot

Best Year2015Rank #5955

Peak Count15

Average Rank#10595

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range2005 - 20236 years

The story of Pilot

Pilot is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2005. With 142 total births recorded, Pilot remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #10123 in 2005, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10518 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Pilot in 2009:

Jacob Ethan Michael Alexander William

💎Pilot has only 142 total recorded births since 2005 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Pilot?

Common

PilPiliePily

What names sound and feel like Pilot?

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

Gilot

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Piotr

Poland · Polish

Ryiot

English · A meaningful name

Pilar

Spain · pillar

Minot

France · Derived from the

Bigot

Arabic · A Arabic name

Pino

Italy · Pine tree

Wilmot

England · resolute protector

Common questions about the name Pilot

What does the name Pilot mean?

Pilot means "one who steers or guides" — 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 Pilot?

Pilot 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 Pilot?

Pilot 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 Pilot?

Pilot is a two-syllable name pronounced P AY1 L AH0 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Pilot a common or rare name?

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