Hillary
Below 5 births
2025 SSA
About Hillary
Hillary as a masculine name has ancient Roman origins, derived from the Latin 'Hilarius' meaning 'cheerful' or 'merry.' Long before it gained popularity as a feminine name, Hillary was traditionally used for boys, particularly in English-speaking countries. Notable male bearers include Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to climb Mount Everest, and various historical figures across British history. The name experienced a gender shift in the late 20th century, becoming more commonly associated with girls, particularly in the United States. Despite this change, Hillary maintains its distinguished history as a male name in many parts of the world. For parents interested in names with classical roots and historical significance, masculine Hillary offers a distinguished choice with positive connotations of joy and achievement.
Hillary for girls#2592 US
Hillary is a lovely name that, for the moment at least, is tightly bound to an individual with a strong image: Hillary Clinton. Whatever your feelings about Mrs. Clinton, her fame now dominates the name, making it feel less baby-ready than it deserves to be. Hillary as a name has 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. The Italian Ilaria may be one way to make the name fresh.
Traditionally, Hilary was the form used for males and Hillary for females, but since there are so few boy Hilarys these days, that tradition has fallen by the wayside. A few other modern notables have laid claim to the name: musicians Hilary du Pre and Hilary Hahn, and actresses Hilary Swank and Hilary Duff.
Pronounced HIL-uh-ree.
As of October 2026, Hillary ranked #11575 in US births in 2008 SSA, peaked at #778 in 1898.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank · boys | Births · boys | US rank · girls | Births · girls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 0 | #1,335 | 177 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | #1,583 | 138 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | #1,369 | 172 |
| 2017 | — | 0 | #2,725 | 63 |
| 2018 | — | 0 | #3,267 | 49 |
| 2019 | — | 0 | #3,476 | 45 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | #3,070 | 52 |
| 2021 | — | 0 | #2,833 | 60 |
| 2022 | — | 0 | #2,472 | 73 |
| 2023 | — | 0 | #2,499 | 71 |
| 2024 | — | 0 | #2,326 | 79 |
| 2025 | — | 0 | #2,592 | 67 |
Similar names
These 20 names were selected by our users looking for other names like Hillary.
Hillary on lists
Famous Hillarys
- Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonGirl
former US First Lady, Secretary of State and presidential candidate
- Hillary Brooke (born Beatrice Sofia Mathilda Peterson)Girl
American actress
- Hillary WolfGirl
American actress
- Hillary LindseyGirl
American singer,songwriter
- Hillary Bailey SmithGirl
American actress
- Hillary Dawn ScottGirl
American country singer
- Hillary Madison Hess (b. 2011)Girl
daughter of American television hostess Samantha Harris
Hillary in pop culture
- Hillary Whitney EssexGirl
character in book/movie "Beaches"
- Hillary BanksGirl
character on TV's "Fresh Prince of Bel,Air"