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Hilary

Girl name · 360 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Hilary: 360 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 34 births in 1974.

Hilary comes from the Latin *hilarius*, meaning “cheerful,” rooted in the Greek *hilaros* – a sunny start for any name. Saint Hilary of Poitiers, a fourth-century bishop and theologian, gave it early gravitas, while modern fame includes two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank and historian Sir Hilary Beckles. The village of St Hilary in Cornwall bears the saint’s name, and the spelling variant Hillary is shared by mountaineer Edmund Hillary and politician Hillary Clinton. Though historically masculine in Britain, Hilary became predominantly female from the mid-20th century, yet it remains a true unisex choice – a name that balances ancient goodwill with contemporary versatility.