Find out how popular the first name Hillard has been for the last 29 years (from 1974 to 2002) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Hillard by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Hillard is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2002, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Hillard.

The history of the first name Hillard

The name Hillard finds its origins in the Old English language, tracing back to the medieval period. It is derived from the compound name "Hildegard," which was composed of the Germanic elements "hild" meaning "battle" and "gard" meaning "enclosure" or "protection." The name Hillard was initially a variant spelling and diminutive form of Hildegard.

In early medieval England, Hillard was primarily used as a masculine name, often bestowed upon individuals with a strong or warrior-like persona. While its precise origins are uncertain, it is believed to have emerged around the 9th or 10th century, during the period of Anglo-Saxon rule in Britain.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Hillard can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings and population commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The text mentions a landowner named "Hillardus" in the county of Somerset, indicating the name's presence in medieval England.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Hillard. One of the earliest was Hillard d'Auvergne (c. 1070-1122), a French nobleman and crusader who participated in the First Crusade and played a significant role in the capture of Antioch in 1098.

Another prominent figure was Hillard of Trier (c. 1230-1285), a German theologian and philosopher who made significant contributions to the development of scholastic thought during the High Middle Ages. His works on logic and metaphysics were widely studied in medieval universities.

In the 15th century, Hillard Boxall (c. 1420-1507) was a renowned English scholar and cleric who served as the Chancellor of Cambridge University and held various ecclesiastical positions. He was known for his expertise in canon law and his involvement in the establishment of the Lady Margaret's Preacher at Cambridge.

During the Renaissance period, Hillard Veren (c. 1572-1629) was a Dutch painter and engraver who gained recognition for his landscape paintings and etchings depicting rural scenes and landscapes of the Netherlands.

In more recent times, Hillard Elkins (1929-1986) was an American character actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. He is perhaps best known for his roles in classic westerns such as "The Shootist" and "Tombstone."

While the name Hillard has roots in medieval England and Europe, it has seen widespread use across various cultures and regions over the centuries, with various spellings and variations emerging. Despite its historical significance, the name has become relatively uncommon in modern times, though it still holds a distinct charm and connection to its rich heritage.

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

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

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