Hilary
GirlLatin
Hilary is a girl name of Latin origin meaning "cheerful, happy, joyous, bright, lively".
About this name
Gender
Girl
Language
Latin
Religion
Christian
Popularity
7 / 100
Syllables
3
Length
6 letters
Meaning
cheerful, happy, joyous, bright, lively
Etymology
Derived from the Latin name Hilarius, which in turn comes from the Greek word hilaros meaning 'cheerful' or 'joyful'.
Famous People Named Hilary
- Hilary Duff — American actress and singer (born 1987)
- Hilary Mantel — British writer (1952–2022)
- Hilary Koprowski — Polish physician, virologist, immunologist and medical researcher (1916–2013)
- Hilary Benn — British politician (born 1953)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hilary
What does the name Hilary mean?
Hilary means "cheerful, happy, joyous, bright, lively", and is of Latin origin.
What is the origin of the name Hilary?
Hilary originates from Latin, commonly used in Europe.
Is Hilary a boy or girl name?
Hilary is typically used as a girl name.
What religion is the name Hilary associated with?
Hilary is associated with Christian.
Are there famous people named Hilary?
Yes — notable people named Hilary include Hilary Duff (American actress and singer, born 1987), Hilary Mantel (British writer, 1952–2022), Hilary Koprowski (Polish physician, 1916–2013) and Hilary Benn (British politician, born 1953).
Last updated: June 2026