Find out how popular the first name Hiliary has been for the last 15 years (from 1978 to 1992) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Hiliary by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Hiliary is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1992, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Hiliary.

The history of the first name Hiliary

The name Hiliary has its origins in the Latin language and culture, dating back to ancient Roman times. It is derived from the Latin word "hilaris," meaning "cheerful" or "merry." The name was initially used as a surname or cognomen in ancient Rome, referring to a person's cheerful or joyful disposition.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Hiliary can be found in the writings of the Roman philosopher and statesman, Cicero, who lived in the 1st century BC. He mentioned a person named "Hilarius" in his works, indicating that the name was in use during that time period.

As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, the name Hiliary gained popularity among early Christians. One of the most notable figures bearing this name was Saint Hilary of Poitiers, a Bishop and Doctor of the Church who lived in the 4th century AD. He was a staunch defender of the Trinitarian doctrine and played a crucial role in the Council of Nicaea.

During the Middle Ages, the name Hiliary became more widespread across Europe, particularly in regions influenced by Latin culture and the Catholic Church. Several historical figures bore this name, including Hilary of Arles, a 5th-century Bishop of Arles, and Hilary of Chichester, a 13th-century English saint and Bishop of Chichester.

In the Renaissance period, the name Hiliary gained further prominence. One notable figure was Hilary Duff, an English poet and writer who lived in the 16th century. Another was Hilary White, an English Catholic mystic and writer from the 17th century.

Later in history, several influential individuals carried the name Hiliary. Hilary Mantel, a British writer and two-time winner of the Booker Prize, was born in 1952. Hilary Swank, an American actress known for her roles in films like "Million Dollar Baby" and "Boys Don't Cry," was born in 1974 and has won two Academy Awards.

Other notable figures with the name Hiliary include Hilary Putnam, an American philosopher and mathematician (1926-2016), Hilary Hahn, an American violinist born in 1979, and Hilary Benn, a British politician and former Secretary of State for International Development, born in 1953.

Throughout its long history, the name Hiliary has maintained its association with cheerfulness, joy, and a positive disposition, reflecting its Latin roots and the influence of early Christian figures who bore 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 Hiliary was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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