Hilary

♀ Girl

Hilary Pronunciation

Hilary is pronounced HIL-ə-ree /ˈhɪl.ə.ri/High

Meaning: From Latin hilaris, 'cheerful, merry, happy' — the root of 'hilarious'High

In 30 seconds: Cheerful by definition: Hilary comes from Latin 'merry, happy' — the same root as 'hilarious'. Bright, warm, and full of good humor.

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Origin HighLatin

MeaningFrom Latin hilaris, 'cheerful, merry, happy' — the root of 'hilarious'

U.S. rank (2024)#4132 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births35 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1990

Total births (all-time)≈ 24,144

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Hilary comes from Latin hilaris, 'cheerful, merry, happy' (the root of 'hilarious'). Borne by an early saint, it became a popular girls' name in the twentieth century; actress Hilary Swank carries it.

It registers thinly today. Rare, cheerful at the root, and bright.

Did you know? Hilary, from Latin hilaris, 'cheerful', shares its root with 'hilarious' — and was originally used for boys before becoming a girls' favorite.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Hilary — etymology

Variations

HillaryHilarieHillarie

Nicknames

Hil

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Hilary…

Hillary— the double-l spelling

Ilaria— the Italian form

Valerie— a companion vintage classic

Rosemary— echoes that soft -ry sound

Victory— shares Hilary's Latin roots

→ See all names like Hilary

Browse the whole category: All Latin names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Hilary?

Hilary is pronounced HIL-ə-ree (/ˈhɪl.ə.ri/). Press play above to hear Hilary said aloud.

How do you say Hilary?

Hilary is said HIL-ə-ree (/ˈhɪl.ə.ri/). Press play above to hear Hilary said aloud.

What does the name Hilary mean?

Hilary is from Latin hilaris, 'cheerful, merry, happy'.

Is Hilary a boy or girl name?

Hilary is mainly a girl's name today; it was once used for boys.

How popular is Hilary?

Hilary is a rare name in the U.S. today.