Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Jillian

The name Jillian is a variant of the older Gillian which was developed in 17th century England as a new spin on the name Julius, an old Roman family name that is father to many off-shoots (Julian, Julia, Julie, Juliet, Jill and Jillian for instance). The Julius family name is one of the most ancient of all the patrician Roman names, and it’s thought to be derived from a few places. The Greek word “ioulos” means ‘downy-bearded’ and the Roman Latin word for ‘youthful’ is “juvenalis.” Lastly, the name could also be a contracted form of the Latin “Jovilius” which means ‘descended from Jove (Jupiter)’ who was the king of all gods in Roman mythology. Gillian is the more common spelling in the U.K. while the United States prefers Jillian.

All About the Baby Name – Jillian

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME JILLIAN

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature.  They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME JILLIAN

The name Jillian first appeared on the U.S. popularity charts in 1976 (following Gillian which first entered the charts in 1968). Americans probably picked up the name Gillian from the English in the late 1960s but quickly altered the spelling to Jillian. The name rapidly gained ground in the first two years of usage, but then pretty much plateaus at around position #150 for the past 30 years. There were a couple of years in the 1980s when Jillian edged onto the Top 100 list of most-favored girls’ name but that’s probably the height of the name’s popularity we’re likely to see. Jillian is also a more fanciful rendition of the name Jill (a name that was quite popular in the 70s and 80s). The name’s consistent and enduring usage in the past 30+ years suggests its modern-day attraction to American parents without fail. The most recent variation of the “Julius” family of names, Jillian has a very contemporary and unique sound.

Quick Facts

ON JILLIAN

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

341

PRONUNCIATION:

JIL-lee-in

SIMPLE MEANING:

Youthful, soft-haired, and descended from Jove

Characteristics

OF JILLIAN

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Jillian

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME JILLIAN

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Jillian

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME JILLIAN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Jillian


Popular Songs

ON JILLIAN

Jillian (I'd Give My Heart)
a song by Within Temptation

Famous People

NAMED JILLIAN

Jillian Michaels (celebrity fitness trainer)
Jillian Beyor (model)
Jillian Grace (model)
Jillian Murray (actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED JILLIAN

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Jillian

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME JILLIAN

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Jillian