Dillard is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from an English surname that was originally given to someone who lived in the village of Dill in Yorkshire, England. The name Dillard is thought to have originated from the Old English word "hyll," which means hill, and the suffix "-ard," meaning dweller or inhabitant.
The name Dillard has a long history and can be traced back to medieval times. It was first recorded as a surname in the early 13th century in Yorkshire, where it was listed as Deyllerd, Dylerde, and other variations. Over time, the name became more common in America, particularly among families of English descent who settled there during the colonial era.
Despite its English origins, Dillard is more commonly associated with American culture today. It has been used as a given name for both boys and girls since at least the mid-20th century but remains relatively rare compared to other names. Some famous people named Dillard include jazz musician Dillard Warren and writer Dillard Richardson.
In recent years, there has been renewed interest in unique and distinctive names like Dillard among parents seeking to give their children a name that stands out from the crowd. While it may not be as popular as some other names, Dillard continues to hold its own as a timeless and enduring choice for those looking for something different.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Dillard in the United States from 1880 to 2014, we can observe several trends and patterns over time.
The name Dillard first appears in the records with ten births in 1880. The number of newborns with this name fluctuates during the late 19th century, with periods of higher popularity around the years 1887 to 1892 and 1906 to 1914.
The early 20th century sees a significant increase in the use of the name Dillard. The number of births peaks at 37 in 1912, followed by another peak of 76 births each in both 1918 and 1919. This suggests that the name gained considerable popularity during this time.
After World War I, the popularity of the name Dillard starts to decline gradually. However, it remains relatively common throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, with birth counts ranging from around 60 to 85 each year.
The mid-20th century marks a steady decrease in the use of the name Dillard. By the 1940s, annual births drop below 60, and they continue to decline throughout the following decades. The lowest point is reached in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with fewer than ten newborns named Dillard each year.
In recent years, the name Dillard has become quite rare. Between 2001 and 2014, there were only a handful of births each year with this name, typically between five to eight births annually.
Overall, while the name Dillard once enjoyed significant popularity in the United States, particularly during the early 20th century, it has since become quite uncommon. However, it is essential to remember that even rare names contribute to the rich tapestry of human culture and identity.