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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Hilary

33 replies

Vintagejazz · 10/06/2014 14:12

Hadn't heard this name in years, but in the past month I've heard of it for a new baby and also a mum on the bus talking to her little daughter who looked about 3.
Is it making a comeback?

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Mrsindecision · 15/06/2014 20:19

I knew a Hilary whilst growing up and I always thought her name was completely hideous!

Alita7 · 15/06/2014 20:03

it's my aunts name and she was nearly called Jennifer and while I'm not all that keen on Jennifer, I always think my Grandparents had a moment of madness going for Hillary instead!

clary · 15/06/2014 17:20

Lol Marcipex I am from Lincolnshire, maybe that's the issue Grin

Marcipex · 15/06/2014 16:18

I don't think it's hard or harsh at all, it's a lovely name.
As long as it isn't pronounced Ilry,as it seems to be in Lincolnshire.

Newlywed2013 · 14/06/2014 20:10

Love Hillary! Beautiful name and if baby is a girl will have Hillary as a middle name :-)

Pobblewhohasnotoes · 12/06/2014 21:48

I think it's awful. Not a pretty name at all.

Swoosg · 12/06/2014 21:04

Yes, I know two - and they hate their names too! Awful name.

BrunoBrookesDinedAlone · 12/06/2014 19:46

I think it's a great name, but like one of the posters above - I've known two and both HATE their names.

So maybe it's one of those names people like or generally consider a good name - but only if it's someone else having to actually live with it!

Daisymasie · 12/06/2014 10:20

It does have a kind of 40s, 50s vibe about it. There seemed to be always Hilary in those boarding school stories set during or just after the war. (They were usually Head Girls or Prefects).

clary · 11/06/2014 23:06

LOL @ yr post Vintagejazz. My DD has one of those old lady names!! Grin

I don't think Hilary has ever been that popular actually, not really a name of the 40s and 50s either; one of the only good things about it is that you don't have to tell people which Hilary you are - cos they only know one (I have a mate called Sarah who always says "hello, it's Sarah Tomlinson" clearly from years of habit. On the phone I mean, not face to face! )

BestestBrownies · 11/06/2014 17:06

I have to agree with badtime. 'Hilary' is awful, but 'Ilaria' is beautiful, and very popular in Italy across generations. It's my fantasy girls' name for the parallel universe where I actually want and have kids....

squoosh · 11/06/2014 17:01

I prefer the badgirl 1950's names like Jean and Betty to the ruddy cheeked and wholesome Hilary and Lorna.

Daisymasie · 11/06/2014 16:59

I would much rather be called Hilary or Lorna than Elsie or Iris.

I actually really like 40s/50s type names and I think they'll start to creep up the popularity charts quite soon. I think pretty Victorian names and pre war 'downstairs maids' name have become so popular that they've reached saturation point and people will start looking for something a bit different.

Original poster
Vintagejazz · 11/06/2014 16:53

Why would you want everyone to hate your daughter's name?

OP posts:
squoosh · 11/06/2014 15:50

Except maybe the daughter you give the name to?

sandberry · 11/06/2014 15:48

I love it and have been saving it for years, I hope it is not making a comeback. It has gone up slightly, there were 6 in the 2012 stats and only 3 in the 2011 stats if I recall rightly. I hope everybody hates it!

Original poster
Vintagejazz · 11/06/2014 11:01

I think it flows quite nicely. I don't think I'd use it myself but I think it's much nicer than some of the old lady names that have been so popular in recent years eg Elsie, Edith, Iris.

OP posts:
clary · 11/06/2014 01:46

Let's hope not!

It's a bit clunky and not very euphonic. Also it's a boy's name too. And often misspelled Hillary. Or Hilliary.

ThingsThatShine · 11/06/2014 00:04

I love Hilary Clinton. I could see it coming back! To me it is of the same ilk as Harriet, Jill...

badtime · 10/06/2014 23:58

I don't like it, but I absolutely love the Italian version 'Ilaria'.

MrsBungle · 10/06/2014 23:50

I do not like it at all. It's clunky and ugly in my opinion.

ephpa95 · 10/06/2014 23:48

... and the next American president - at least I hope - Hilary Clinton. One smart and strong woman.

Freckletoes · 10/06/2014 23:45

I know 4 Hilarys! 2 in our village, both in their 50s, 2 more friends of mine, both in their early 40s. Not heard it in any younger age groups though. So doesn't seem like an unusual name for me!

CruCru · 10/06/2014 20:00

Same with Barbara.

CruCru · 10/06/2014 20:00

It's okay but I've never met a Hilary who liked her name.

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