Hilario is a unique and interesting male given name with a rich history behind it. Originating from Latin roots, "hilaris" translates to mean "cheerful" or "joyful". The name Hilario was particularly popular during the Roman Empire era, where it was often bestowed upon individuals who were believed to bring happiness and laughter into their communities.
The name Hilario has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One such figure is Saint Hilary of Poitiers (c. 315 – c. 367 AD), a prominent theologian and bishop from what is now France. He was known for his intellectual prowess and his defense of the Christian faith against Arianism, which was a prevalent heresy at that time.
Another notable figure with this name is Hilario de Costa (1839-1894), a Brazilian writer and politician who served as the Governor of Rio Grande do Norte. He is remembered for his literary works, including poems and short stories, as well as his political contributions to Brazil's development during the late 19th century.
While Hilario may not be as commonly used today as it once was in Roman times or by notable historical figures, it remains a distinctive and captivating name choice. It offers parents the opportunity to give their child a unique identity with a fascinating background story attached to it.
The name Hilario experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half. It started with only five births per year between 1885 and 1898, but began to rise steadily from 1909 onwards, reaching its peak in 1929 with 61 births that year.
From 1930 to the mid-1970s, Hilario's popularity fluctuated between around 30 and 50 births per year. It then started to decline gradually until the early 2000s when it reached its lowest point with only 18 births in 2021.
In recent years, there has been a slight increase in Hilario's popularity, with 24 births in 2022 and 25 in 2023. Overall, the name Hilario has seen 4618 births since 1885.