Find out how popular the first name Hilal has been for the last 30 years (from 1995 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Hilal by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Hilal is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 55% of people named Hilal being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Hilal.

The history of the first name Hilal

The name Hilal originates from the Arabic language, and its origins can be traced back to the 7th century AD, during the time of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The word "hilal" in Arabic means crescent moon, and it is derived from the root word "h-l-l," which means to appear or to become visible.

The name Hilal is often associated with the sighting of the new crescent moon, which marks the beginning of a new month in the Islamic lunar calendar. This connection to the crescent moon has given the name a symbolic meaning of renewal, growth, and hope.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Hilal can be found in the Quran, where it is mentioned in relation to the phases of the moon. Additionally, the name appears in various Islamic texts and historical records from the early days of Islam.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Hilal. One of the earliest was Hilal al-Sabi (d. 1056), an Arab mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of celestial mechanics. Another prominent figure was Hilal al-Basri (d. 863), a Persian scholar and poet who was renowned for his works on Arabic grammar and literature.

In the realm of literature, Hilal al-Muhandis (d. 1038) was a celebrated Arab poet and playwright from Baghdad. His works were influential in shaping the development of Arabic poetry and drama.

During the medieval period, Hilal ibn al-Muhassin al-Sabi (fl. 10th century) was an Arab physician and scientist who made notable contributions to the field of medicine and natural sciences.

More recently, Hilal Salama (1941-2012) was an Egyptian novelist and playwright whose works explored themes of social and political commentary in the Arab world.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Hilal, each leaving their mark in various fields and contributing to the rich cultural heritage associated with this name.

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 Hilal was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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