Surname Hilaire - Meaning and Origin
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Hilaire: What does the surname Hilaire mean?
The last name Hilaire is an old French name derived from the forename Hilarius, which was derived from the Latin name Hilarius, meaning "cheerful/joyful". It is a name which expresses a spirit of joy and contentment.
In France, the name Hilaire is usually a family name which is bestowed upon the firstborn of the family. It was associated with the French aristocracy, however, it has since been used widely by people of all classes.
The Hilaire family is known for its good humour, grace and resilience. They have a high sense of loyalty and have a strong appreciation for nature. They value tradition and are known for their strong work ethic.
The Hilaires are proud of their background and heritage. They are seen as trustworthy, generous and dependable. They are highly respected for their intelligence, wit and humour.
Most Hilaires are also known to be quite moralistic. They take pride in their beliefs and value justice, fairness and excellence. They view life as an opportunity for growth and value the fine details of life.
The Hilaire family is a unique group of people, possessing strength and resilience, while still possessing the grace of joy. It is a name which carries with it a sense of pride and honour.
Order DNA origin analysisHilaire: Where does the name Hilaire come from?
The last name Hilaire is most commonly found in the Caribbean islands, particularly in Haiti and parts of the Dominican Republic. It is also commonly found in parts of west Africa, particularly in Senegal, Benin, and Togo, as well as some parts of France.
The origin of the last name Hilaire is likely French, given its numerous presence throughout the country. It is thought to have originated during the Middle Ages, and may have been derived from a personal name. The most common variants of Hilaire are, Hilarius, Hillaire, Hiller, Hiler and Hiliare.
In the United States, the last name Hilaire is notably less common. The 1990 US Census documented only 447 people by this surname, including about 288 living in New York State. The largest group of Hilaire-surnamed individuals is thought to live in New York and California, however this surname is still considered a fairly rare one. In Canada, Hilaire is also quite rare, with only 240 individuals documented living there in the 2016 census.
In other countries, Hilaire is much more common. In the United Kingdom, about 1,332 individuals are known to possess the surname. The name is also found throughout France, Spain, and Germany, where thousands of Hilire-surnamed individuals are documented.
Overall, the surname Hilaire is most commonly found in the Caribbean and West Africa, but is less common in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Variations of the surname Hilaire
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Hilaire include Hillaire, Hilaire, Hilaire, Hiler, Hiller, Hillet, Hilleter, Grain, Longhière, Grano, Lomberd, Longee, Hulet, Huillard, Huiller, and Haylet. Hilaire is most commonly found in France, Belgium, and some parts of Canada. The origin of the name is believed to stem from the Latin Hilarius, meaning ‘cheerful’ or 'happy'.
Hillaire is the most common spelling or variant of the surname and is likely derived from the Old French name Hilaire. It is commonly found in France, Belgium, and also in some parts of Canada. Hilaire is a variation of the surname Hillaire and is found particularly in France and Belgium.
Hiler is likely derived from the Old French word ‘hilaire’ which means 'cheerful'. Hiller is a spelling variant of Hilaire, typically found in France and Belgium. Hillet is an alternate spelling of Hilaire and is also found in France and Belgium. Hilleter is another variant of the name, found in France and Belgium.
Grain, Longhière, Grano, and Lomberd all originate from the Latin Hilarius and share the same meaning as Hilaire. Longee, Hulet, Huillard, Huiller, and Haylet are variants of the surname, found particularly in France and Belgium.
The various spellings and surnames all have the same origin and have retained their meaning of ‘cheerful' or 'happy’. These variants have evolved over time and are all closely related.
Famous people with the name Hilaire
- Pascale Hilaire: Pascale, born in 1954, is a French actress who is best known for her roles in movies like, The Hairdresser's Husband (Le Mari de la Coiffeuse), My Afternoons with Margueritte (Mes séances de lutte avec Margueritte) and in TV series such as La Doublure.
- Rudy Hilaire: Rudy, born in 1963, is a French football player that, during his professional career, played for clubs like Toulouse FC, RC Strasbourg, Sporting Club de Bastia and Racing Club de Lens.
- Maurice Hilaire: Maurice, born in 1874, is a French classical philologist that specialized in the study of Ancient Egyptian and Phoenician language and related history.
- Émilie Hilaire: Émilie, born in 1972, is a French costume designer whose numerous projects have earned her important awards and recognition.
- Jean Hilaire: Jean, born in 1952, is a French actor who starred in movies such as Apache, What's in a Name?, and Heaven's Tears (Les Larmes du Ciel).
- Armand Hilaire: Armand, born in 1946, is a French historian and ethnologist that specialized in the study of African cultures.
- Corinne Hilaire: Corinne, born in 1972, is a French singer and musician whose style is a blend of funk, soul, and jazz.
- Raymond Hilaire: Raymond, born in 1929, is a French writer who was awarded the 1974 Grand prix des lectrices de ELLE for his novel Un avion sans elle.