Hilary/Hillary

With Blythe being on my mind lately due to recent posts on Nameberry, I've been thinking about other happy names, and remembered Hilary/Hillary, which means "cheerful/happy."

I then realized that Hilary is a name we never seem to suggest on Nameberry, even as middle name option.

Here's what Pam and Linda wrote about Hilary:

"Hilary (also spelled with two 'l's) is a hot potato of a name, so closely identified with Sen. Clinton that it's hard for most parents to see it as a baby name. A pity, really, as it's got so much going for it: the popular, rhythmic three-syllable structure, the fact that it's strong but light, proper but jaunty, with an irresistible meaning -- having the same root as hilarious."

I'm just curious as to what you all think about this name and why you like or dislike it.
:-)

I really like it, and I don't mind its association, but I mind others' association. If her name was something common like Catherine, people wouldn't have the same issue, as it would have other associations for them. Hillary is not exactly "there's only one Aretha"-unique, but she is known by first name only as if she's the only one you need to talk about --- unlike male politicians, I might also add. And too many people react with complete revulsion.

This name can be used with caution, if you have a kind of bulletproof confidence, 'They have the same name, what's your point?' Most people would rather avoid confrontation. Some people will stand up for their choices. It's a fine name, and I'm not one to suggest settling on a lesser choice and living a life of some amount of regret like that.

People who have negative associations with the persona are going to have negative associations with the name (for their own children), that's just self-explanatory, and a direct result of constantly being referred to in the media by her first name, like Cher or Madonna. If your family is politically divided or you maintain residence in a red state with your own blue state leanings, it could be more of an issue than some places. I could picture a little Hillary not getting too much flack here in Boston. This is not my favorite name, so I have good enough reason to bypass trouble, but I wish more people would consider it and help boost the image by more positive associations for people who only know the one and dislike her.

The SSA reports the name Hillary began sharp decline in 1992, dropping 130 spots in one year, and 306 spots the following year. It has spent time below the top 1000 since then, but has jumped 246 places last year, from 961 to 715th most popular name for girls, amounting to 411 named in the year 2008, and neighboring other names like Janet, Susan, Mollie, Phoenix, Destiney, and Katrina. The name Hilary hasn't charted since it fell off in 1993 - it sunk like a stone, really from high 200s to low 600s and disappeared - despite possible rescue by Hilarys Duff and Swank and the slight change in spelling exactly like La Clinton. Both Hilaria and Hilario rank quite low, Hilaria not at all, ever, and Hilario occasionally bobbing up above 1000, but not very far. I think in this case, it rhymes too much with hilarious and hilarity, and more likely choice by Latinos, but obviously not a lot.

I agree, Karen.

I think I first thought of the name when I saw Beaches, so part a huge part of me still associates the name with Barbara Hershey's elegant character, Hillary Whitney Essex. To a lesser degree, I think of Hilary Duff and Hilary Swank, too.

But, indeed, Hillary Clinton is my main association with the name. I happen to think she's brilliant, so while I'm not bothered by the association, I still think I'd feel more comfortable for now suggesting it as a middle name.

I, too, would love to see it used more, though! I think it has a wonderful meaning and cheerful sound. :-)

I had some edititis - so much info on the SSA. I was thinking maybe it's not really Ms. Clinton, but that the name just isn't as stylish as name trends go. I mean, probably not, the SSA stats don't lie. It peaked at 131 on a clear upward trend in 1992 and fell off complete by ten years' time, resurfaced and is beginning a slight recovery just within the last year.

It's probably not the right time or place, but hey. Valerie is a good name! It means 'strong.' It sounds a lot like Hillary without being the same name. I do enjoy Hillary a lot and that it means happy, that is a very good meaning.

karen wrote:I had some edititis - so much info on the SSA. I was thinking maybe it's not really Ms. Clinton, but that the name just isn't as stylish as name trends go. I mean, the SSA doesn't lie. It peaked at 131 on a clear upward trend in 1992 and fell off complete by ten years' time. It's probably not the right time or place, but hey. Valerie is a good name! It means 'strong.' It sounds a lot like Hillary without being the same name. I do enjoy Hillary a lot and that it means happy, that is a very good meaning.

It seems like Hillary/Hilary tanked right after Hillary Clinton came to national attention in 1992. It (unfortunately) makes perfect sense to me.

Great research, Karen! :-)

I like Hilary with one "l". Its Clinton association would push past it's Duff and Swank tie and for that I probably wouldn't use it. Of course I know it would never get the approval of my other half anyway. I brought this name up the other night only to hear "what like Hillary Clinton?" If there is anyway a name can be made fun of he'll find it.

Hilary does remind me of Valerie and also like Mallory. Of course Family Ties comes first to mind with the name Mallory. We had a young 20ish waitress who bore this name and she was quite pretty. I don't think it was Justine Bateman or her character who made me not like this name for a while but rather her dimwitted boyfriend. He said her name like Rocky Balboa belting out Adrienne, another name I'd like to see more of. Of course thanks to my pick it apart and knock it down DH Adrienne or Adrian will never be a relation of mine :(

I like the name Hillary a lot. But then I love names that create an image of a strong independent woman, which Sen. Clinton definitely did, whether you agree with her or not. I think it really has alot going for it as a girls name. A little Hailey, a little Emory... Has some of the cound of the trendy names, without being trendy, and a strong woman image.

i adore the name Hilary.
it's best with one L and i'd definitely consider using it..
i don't think of Sen. Clinton.. i actually associate this name with a girl i went to school with.. (kind of preppy, popular, sweet, very pretty.. fun to be around..)

Thanks for your replies, everyone! This has been really interesting (for me, at least) :-)

I agree with you all!

Disa (I know you're Lisa, but you're Disa to me now) :-), I agree about the spelling, and never realized how similar to Mallory it is. I'm so sorry that your husband is making the naming process difficult. :-( What does he like?

Kate/Dot's Mom, I agree that Hilary feels like a strong name, and I second your post. :-)

Calisse: I prefer Hilary with one L, too, and am happy that you have good associations with the name! :-)

If anyone else has opinions, good or bad, I'd love to hear them!

Take care! :-)

I think it's a lovely name, though I slightly prefer Valerie. I especially like the meaning; another great name for laughter is Risa.