Hilary

Latin from Greek

"cheerful, happy"

Hilary Origin and Meaning

The name Hilary is a girl's name of Greek, Latin origin meaning "cheerful, happy".

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.

Hilary Rank in US Top 1000

# 651 in the US

Popularity of the name Hilary

• 1756 Nameberry 2025

20 Names Similar to Hilary

These 20 names were selected by our users that were looking for other names like Hilary.

• Joanne
• Hillary
• Karolina
• Paula
• Jill
• Brenda
• Liza
• Janine
• Sandra
• Donna
• Janice
• Jeanette
• Patricia
• Angie
• Tracy
• Justine
• Karen
• Janet
• Debbie
• Christa

Famous People Named Hilary

• Hilary Ann Swank American actress
• Hilary Erhard Duff American singer and actress
• Hilary Hollis Rhoda American model
• Hilary (Blake) American singer,songwriter
• Hilary Jane Armstrong British politician
• Hilary Mary Mantel English writer
• Hilary Hahn American violinist
• Hilary du Pré British flautist
• Hilary Rosen American communications consultant, Democratic pundit, and former registered lobbyist

The name Hilary in Pop Culture

• Hilary Banks character on the TV show "Fresh Prince of Bel,Air"
• Hilary character from the film "But I'm a Cheerleader"
• Hilary Fay Mandy Moore's character from the film "Saved"
• Hilary Wentworth character in the "St. Clare's" book series by Enid Blyton
• Hilary "Larry" Friedman character in movie "Blended"

International Variations of the name Hilary

• Hilaire French
• Ilaria Italian