Hilary

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Hilary

Gender Unisex
Origin Greek
Letters 6
Syllables 3
Pronunciation HIL-uh-ree

Hilary, which has 6 letters and 3 syllables, is a unisex name of Greek origin.

Meaning of Hilary

Cheerful

Hilary is a name of English origin and is derived from the Latin word for "cheerful". It is a unisex name, though more commonly used for females. The meaning of the name can be interpreted as "happy" or "joyful".

Save
Rate:
Be the first to rate!
Meaning Cheerful
Origin Greek
Gender Unisex
Rarity (US) Rare (Not in top 1000)

Background & History of The Name Hilary

The name Hilary is derived from the Latin name Hilarius, which means "cheerful" or "merry." It is a unisex name, commonly used for both males and females. The name Hilary has been in use since ancient times and has various forms and spellings across different cultures and languages. In English-speaking countries, Hilary is the traditional spelling for females, whereas Hillary is more commonly used as a variant for males. In recent years, the name has gained popularity as a girl's name in the United States.

Hilary has strong historical and cultural associations. In Christianity, Saint Hilary of Poitiers was a renowned theologian and bishop in the fourth century. He played a significant role in shaping early Christian teachings. The name Hilary was introduced to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066 and has remained in use since then.

People with the name Hilary are often described as intelligent, ambitious, and strong-willed. They have a natural capacity for leadership and are often admired for their determination and perseverance. Hilary is a name commonly associated with individuals who are independent, confident, and strive for success in their endeavors.

The name Hilary has also gained recognition through famous individuals who bear the name. Hilary Clinton, the former First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State of the United States, is perhaps the most well-known figure with this name. Her strong influence on politics and advocacy has made the name Hilary a symbol of empowered women in contemporary society.

In conclusion, the name Hilary carries a rich historical and cultural background and is associated with the qualities of cheerfulness, intelligence, and ambition. It is a versatile name that transcends gender boundaries and has gained prominence due to influential individuals who bear the name.

Check Initials

See what initials Hilary would create with your last name.

Nicknames

Common nicknames and short forms for Hilary.

Save This Name

Create an account to save names to your lists and share with your partner.

Create Free Account

Partner Matching

Rate names with your partner and find the ones you both love.

Learn More

Sibling Matcher

Find names that pair well with your existing children's names.

Find Sibling Names