Jillean is a distinctive and unique female given name, of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish language word 'Síle', which means 'she who is shining' or 'sheltered nook'. The name Jillean is often associated with the Irish goddess of earth, fertility, and abundance, who was also known as Síle na Géige, meaning 'She of the Withered Knees'. While it may be less common than some other Irish names, such as Siobhan or Aoife, Jillean stands out for its rare elegance and profound meaning.
The name Jillean experienced a peak in popularity between 1978 and 1979 with eight births each year. However, it seems to have fallen out of favor after 1981, as there were only two years with more than five births until 1988. Overall, the name Jillean has been relatively uncommon throughout these years, with a total of just 47 births between 1977 and 1988.