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.
The name Dillard seems to have experienced a significant boom in popularity around the early 1900s and again during World War I, with peaks of 37 births in 1912, 37 births in 1914, and a remarkable 55 births in 1915. However, its popularity has been on a steady decline since the mid-20th century, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded from the late 1960s onwards. The most recent data shows that there were only 5 births in 2014.