Hilman is a name of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "hil" which means "help". It was originally used as a surname and referred to someone who worked as a helper or servant in a household.
The name Hilman first appeared in England in the late 13th century when it was brought over by German immigrants. Over time, it evolved into various spellings such as Helm, Helmann, and Hellman. The name became more common in the United States during the 19th century due to immigration from Germany.
Despite its origins, Hilman is not a particularly popular name today. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has never ranked among the top 1000 names for boys in the United States. However, this does not detract from its historical significance or unique sound.
In literature and pop culture, there have been some notable figures named Hilman. For example, Hilman Romley is a character in the video game "Red Dead Redemption 2," while Hilmar Oddsson is an Icelandic actor who has appeared in several films and television shows.
The name Hilman has seen a varied history of popularity in the United States over the years. Between 1915 and 2005, there were a total of 146 babies named Hilman born in the U.S., with the peak year being 1917 with 13 births.
Interestingly, the name's popularity seems to have been consistent but relatively low throughout most of the decades. The years 1915-1925 saw an average of around 8 births per year, with a slight increase in the late 1930s and early 1940s.
However, it appears that after 1947, there was a noticeable decline in the number of newborns named Hilman. From 1948 onwards, only 5 babies were named Hilman each year until 2005, suggesting a steady but significant decrease in popularity over time.
Despite this decline, it's important to note that even with fewer births per year, the name Hilman has still been chosen for at least some children each year since records began. This could indicate that while not highly popular, the name is perhaps considered unique or appealing by certain parents due to its historical usage and rarity in modern times.
In conclusion, while Hilman may not have been a highly popular name over the years, its consistent presence in birth records shows that it has retained some level of appeal among American parents. Its unique nature might even contribute to its enduring relevance as a distinctive choice for newborns.