Hillary

What does the baby name Hillary mean? Learn about what Hillary means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Hillary - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Hillary
H-I-L-L-A-R-Y, is a 7-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Hillary
HIL-ə-ree
HIL ah ree
Meaning of Hillary
Cheerful or merry, cheerful, cheery, humorous.
Origin of Hillary
The name 'Hillary' has its origins in the English language. It is derived from the surname 'Hilary', which itself comes from the Latin name 'Hilarius'. The name 'Hilarius' was a masculine given name in ancient Rome, meaning 'cheerful' or 'joyful'. Over time, 'Hilary' evolved into a surname and eventually became a popular given name for both boys and girls.
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Popularity of Hillary
The name 'Hillary' gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. It reached its peak in the 1990s, primarily due to the fame of Hillary Rodham Clinton, who became First Lady of the United States in 1993. The name experienced a notable decline in popularity after that time but still maintains a moderate level of usage.
Hillary currently has 119 likes, and is in the top 6% of liked girl's names. The name Andromeda is slightly more popular than Hillary.

Etymology of Hillary

The etymology of 'Hillary' can be traced back to the Latin word 'Hilarius', which means 'cheerful' or 'joyful'. The name embodies a positive and optimistic connotation, reflecting the meaning of its Latin root. It is often associated with qualities such as happiness, optimism, and a cheerful disposition.

Cultural Significance of Hillary

The name 'Hillary' does not hold specific cultural significance, as it is widely used in various English-speaking countries. However, it is worth noting that the name became closely associated with Hillary Rodham Clinton, who made history as the first woman to be nominated for President of the United States by a major political party. As such, the name 'Hillary' may evoke a sense of empowerment and breaking barriers for some individuals.