Hillery is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is not particularly common, which adds to its charm and intrigue. The name Hillery is believed to have been coined by the American author and poet Edgar Allan Poe in his short story "The Masque of the Red Death," published in 1842.
In the story, Poe introduces a character named Prince Prospero's betrothed, Princess Hillery. It is worth noting that this is one of the few instances where Poe uses an invented name for a female character in his works. The story itself is a classic tale of mystery and horror, which adds a layer of intrigue to the name Hillery.
The meaning and significance of the name Hillery are not explicitly defined as it is an invention of Edgar Allan Poe's imagination. However, some people have interpreted its meaning based on its association with Princess Hillery in Poe's story. For instance, some believe that Hillery signifies nobility, grace, and perhaps even a hint of mystery or unpredictability, reflecting the characteristics of Poe's characters.
In terms of history, there are no notable figures named Hillery beyond Edgar Allan Poe's character. However, this does not diminish the name's uniqueness and potential for significance to those who choose it. Today, Hillery remains a rare but captivating choice for a given name, often favored by parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful moniker for their child.
In conclusion, Hillery is an American given name created by Edgar Allan Poe in his short story "The Masque of the Red Death." Its meaning and significance are open to interpretation, often associated with nobility, grace, and mystery. While not historically prominent, Hillery's unique origin and association with Poe's work make it a distinctive choice for those looking for an uncommon name with literary roots.
The statistics provided show the number of babies named Hillery born in the United States each year from 1887 to 1983. Over this period of nearly a century, there were a total of 501 births with the name Hillery.
The popularity of the name fluctuated significantly over time. The name reached its peak in 1921 with 17 births that year. However, it declined thereafter, and by the late 1930s to mid-1940s, there were fewer than 10 births per year.
Interestingly, after a low point in the mid-1950s, the name experienced a resurgence in popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s, with over 10 births recorded each year between 1967 and 1972. However, this trend was not sustained, and the number of births with the name Hillery declined again thereafter.
Despite these fluctuations in popularity, it is notable that there were at least some babies named Hillery born every decade from the late 1800s to the early 1980s, indicating that the name has maintained a small but consistent presence in American naming culture over time.