Jillian is a charming and unique feminine given name that has gained popularity in recent years. It is of American origin and is considered to be a modern creation rather than having historical roots.
The name Jillian is believed to have been created by combining the elements "Gill" or "Jill," which are diminutives of the name Gillian, with the suffix "-an." Gillian is derived from the Germanic masculine given name Julian, which means "youthful" or "downy" and was originally associated with the Roman god Jupiter. However, Jillian is exclusively used as a feminine name.
While there may not be a specific historical figure or event associated with the name Jillian, it has been popularized in recent times through its use in literature, film, and television. Some notable characters named Jillian include Jillian Harmon from the television series "Felicity" and Jillian Fink, the wife of actor Matthew McConaughey.
Overall, Jillian is a beautiful and distinctive feminine given name that has gained popularity as a modern creation. Its origins may not be rooted in history, but its unique sound and association with popular culture have contributed to its growing appeal.
The name Jillian experienced a significant increase in popularity over time, with the most notable growth occurring between the late 1970s and early 1980s. Between 1976 (255 births) and 1984 (2624 births), there was a dramatic surge of approximately tenfold. This period marks the peak in popularity for the name Jillian, with around 3000 births per year from 1982 to 1987. However, since the late 1980s and early 1990s, the usage of this name has been consistently declining, reaching an all-time low in recent years (213 births in 2022). Overall, the name Jillian was given to a total of 82,801 newborns between 1944 and 2023.