Hilary - name meaning and origin

The girl's name Hilary \hi-la-ry\, also used as boy's name Hilary, is pronounced HILL-a-ree. It is of Latin origin, and its meaning is "cheerful, happy". The name comes from the same root as "hilarious". Name of a fourth-century saint and a fifth-century pope. Hilaire (ee-LARE) is a French form. First Lady Hillary Clinton; actress Hilary Swank; singer Hilary Duff.

Hilary has 7 variant forms: Hilaire, Hilaria, Hilarie, Hilary, Hillary, Hillery and Hilliary.

For more information, see also related names Alair, Alegra, Happy, Ilaria and Larissa.

Hilary is a very popular female first name and a very rare surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the girl's name Hilary. Compare Hilary with related baby names.