Hillis is a unique and distinctive name of American origin. It is believed to have been coined by the author Flannery O'Connor for her short story "A Good Man is Hard to Find," published in 1953. The name has since gained some popularity, particularly in the southern United States.
The meaning behind the name Hillis is not explicitly defined. However, it is often associated with the word "hillside" or "hilly," as it appears to be derived from the English word "hill." This could imply that the name may have been chosen for its connection to nature or rural landscapes.
There is no extensive historical background associated with the name Hillis, given its relatively recent origin and limited use. However, it is worth noting that Flannery O'Connor's character Hillis may have contributed to the name's memorability and subsequent adoption by some families.
In terms of popularity, Hillis remains a rare name. According to data from the Social Security Administration, there were only 16 babies named Hillis in the United States between 2010 and 2019. This rarity may appeal to parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
In conclusion, Hillis is an American name with a literary origin. Its meaning is loosely associated with nature, particularly hillsides or hilly landscapes. While its historical background is limited, the name has gained some recognition due to its association with Flannery O'Connor's work. As a rare name, Hillis may be appealing to parents seeking uniqueness for their child's moniker.
Between the years of 1912 and 1986, a total of 408 babies were given the name Hillis in the United States. The number of newborns with this name varied annually, ranging from as few as 5 births in certain years to as many as 16 births in others.
During the early decades, the name's popularity peaked between 1917 and 1923, with an average of about 14 births per year during that period. However, the name's popularity began to decline significantly after the mid-1930s, with only a handful of Hillis babies born each year from 1938 onwards.
There were notable fluctuations in popularity even within these later decades. For instance, there was a small resurgence in the name's popularity between 1946 and 1947, with 7 births in 1946 and 13 births in 1947. However, this increase was not sustained, and the number of Hillis births dropped back down to single digits by the early 1950s.
Overall, while the name Hillis experienced periods of relative popularity throughout the first half of the twentieth century, it has become increasingly uncommon in recent decades, with only a small handful of babies given this name each year since the 1930s.