Find out how popular the first name Dillard has been for the last 41 years (from 1974 to 2014) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dillard by gender

Based on the last 41 years of data, Dillard is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2014, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Dillard.

The history of the first name Dillard

The given name Dillard originates from the Old French language and has its roots in the Germanic tribes that settled in the region of modern-day France during the Middle Ages. It is believed to have derived from the Germanic word "dill," which referred to a type of herb, and the suffix "-hard," meaning brave or hardy.

In its earliest recorded forms, the name appeared as "Dilhard" or "Dilihard" in medieval French records and documents. These variations were likely influenced by the Old French dialectal pronunciation of the name, which gradually evolved into the modern spelling "Dillard."

While the name does not have any direct historical references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it was likely a common name among the rural population of medieval France, particularly those involved in agriculture or herbalism.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Dillard was a French nobleman named Dillard de Montfort, who lived in the 12th century and was a participant in the Third Crusade. Another notable figure was Dillard of Arles, a 13th-century French knight who fought alongside King Louis IX during the Seventh Crusade.

In the 15th century, a French merchant named Dillard Lefebvre is recorded as having established trade routes between Paris and the Low Countries, contributing to the economic growth of the region.

During the 16th century, a French Protestant theologian named Dillard Bèze played a significant role in the Reformation movement and was a close associate of John Calvin.

In the 19th century, Dillard Blaine was an American politician and diplomat who served as the United States Secretary of State under President James A. Garfield from 1881 to 1882.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Dillard, showcasing its enduring presence across various cultural and historical contexts.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Dillard was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Dillard, please contact us.

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