Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 HIL-uh-ree /hɪləˈriːə/
"Shining hill"
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
From the Greek name 'Hilareia' meaning 'shining hill' or 'cheerful'. In Greek mythology, Hilareia was a nymph who symbolized the joy of life. In Christianity, the name Hillary is associated with St. Hilary of Poitiers, a 4th-century bishop known for his strong faith and eloquence.
Hilary, Hilarie or Hillary is a given name and surname, derived from the Latin hilarius meaning "cheerful", from hilaris, "cheerful, merry", which comes from the Greek ἱλαρός (hilaros), "cheerful, merry", which in turn comes from ἵλαος (hilaos), "propitious, gracious". Ilaria is the popular Italian feminine form, while Ilario is the Italian masculine one. Other male forms are Hilarion, Ilarion, and Illarion.
Hillary is a name of Christian origin, derived from the Greek name Hilaria, meaning 'cheerful', 'joyful', and 'happy'. In the New Testament, the name Hilaria is associated with the virtue of cheerfuln…
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: Those with the life path number 9 are humanitarians, with a strong sense of compassion and a need to be of service to others.
Life Path 4 — Stability & Hard Work: Reliable, disciplined, and exceptionally organized.
Cultural Impact
The name Hillary is of Greek origin and means 'shining hill' or 'cheerful'. Throughout history, the name has carried a sense of brilliance and joy, representing the beauty and positivity of life. In modern times, Hillary has become a popular name, particularly in the English-speaking world. It has been borne by numerous notable women, including Hillary Rodham Clinton, who served as the First Lady of the United States and the Secretary of State. The name has also been used as a given name for royalty and aristocracy, further reinforcing its association with power and prestige.
Spiritual Significance
In Christianity, the name Hillary is associated with St. Hilary of Poitiers, a 4th-century bishop known for his strong faith and eloquence. Hilary was a notable defender of the Trinity, challenging the views of various heresies that threatened the Orthodox faith. He is also known for his deep devotion to prayer and his dedication to living a holy life. Through the example of St. Hilary, the name Hillary is reminiscent of the spiritual heights that can be reached through faith and devotion. It is a name that inspires hope and encourages those who bear it to strive for holiness and to shine the light of their faith in the world.
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Hillary" emerges in Greek tradition, carrying the core meaning "Shining hill".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.
~30,239 people named Hillary in the US. Peaked in 1992 with 2,528 recorded uses.
Saint Hilary of Poitiers (c. 310 – c. 368) was a bishop of Poitiers and a saint in the Catholic Church.
Modern Usage
The name Hillary remains relevant in modern Christian society, representing a bridge between traditional Biblical values and contemporary life. It is widely discussed on digital platforms and continues to be a popular choice for families seeking meaningful Christian names.
Hillary means "Shining hill" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Hillary is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Hillary has Greek origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Hillary is 4, associated with Stability & Hard Work. Soul Urge: 1. Personality: 3.
Hillary is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 4% male and 96% female.
Approximately 30,239 people in the United States are named Hillary. The name peaked in 1992 with 2,528 recorded uses.
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