Hillel is a male given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "hillal" which means "to praise." The name Hillel is often associated with Hillel the Elder, a prominent Jewish sage and one of the most important figures in Jewish history. He was a key figure in the development of Judaism during the Second Temple period and is known for his teachings on ethics and law. The name Hillel has been popular among Jews for centuries and continues to be used today. It is often shortened to the nickname "Hilly." In recent years, the name Hillel has also gained popularity beyond Jewish communities, as people appreciate its meaning and historical significance.
The name Hillel has a unique and interesting history when it comes to its usage in the United States. Between 1918 and 2023, there have been a total of 1389 babies named Hillel born in the U.S., with the number of births varying from year to year.
The earliest recorded birth of a baby named Hillel in the U.S. was in 1918, with five such births that year. The name then disappeared from birth records until 1924, when another five babies were named Hillel. The following decade saw some fluctuations in the number of births with this name, ranging from a low of five births in several years to a high of nine births in 1929.
The 1950s marked a turning point for the name Hillel, with an increase in its usage. In 1954, there were ten births, and by 1957, that number had climbed to thirteen. This trend continued into the 1960s, with peaks of eleven births in both 1967 and 1970.
The 1970s saw a significant increase in the popularity of the name Hillel, with the highest number of births (fourteen) recorded in 1974. This period also saw consistent growth in the usage of the name, with double-digit birth numbers from 1975 to 1981.
The late 1980s and early 1990s marked another spike in Hillel births, with twenty births recorded in both 1990 and 1992. This decade also saw a consistent number of babies named Hillel each year, ranging from ten to nineteen births.
The 2000s brought further popularity for the name Hillel, with over twenty births recorded every year between 2002 and 2007. The highest number of births during this period was thirty-two in 2009.
More recently, the usage of the name Hillel has continued to grow. Between 2018 and 2023, there have been over one hundred babies named Hillel born in the U.S., with a record-breaking forty-six births recorded in 2022.
Overall, these statistics show that while the name Hillel may not have been consistently popular throughout its history in the United States, it has experienced several periods of growth and popularity. Its usage continues to increase in recent years, indicating that the name Hillel remains a relevant choice for parents today.