Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Pilar
GirlSpanish· “pillar”
- Meaning
- pillar
- Origin
- Spanish
- Pronunciation
- pee-LAHR
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,336
- US babies 2025
- 47
- Best rank
- #1,317 (1924)
- Peak year
- 2005
Meaning and origin of Pilar
Pilar is a Spanish name that means “pillar”.
Pilar is a Spanish name meaning pillar, taken from the Marian title Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Our Lady of the Pillar. According to a long tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to the apostle James on a stone pillar beside the Ebro in what is now Zaragoza, and the basilica built there became one of Spain's most important shrines. Pilar is used across Spain and Latin America, often as the everyday form of María del Pilar. It is said pee-LAHR. Pili and Pilarica are traditional pet forms, and the name has a grounded, dignified character.
Popularity over time
Pilar first appears in US Social Security records in 1896. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,317 in 1924, and the most babies received it in 2005, when 137 were named Pilar. In 2025, 47 babies were named Pilar, and it ranked #3,336 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,798 in 1920, #1,991 in 1950, #1,757 in 1980, #1,547 in 2000, #2,291 in 2010, and #3,336 in 2025. Of the 5,505 US girls named Pilar since records began, 20% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 760 babies. Since 2010, 915 more have been named Pilar.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Deisy, Lexy, Keona, Anai, and Sabina.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Pilar ranked highest in Florida, California, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #1520 | 9 |
| California | #2235 | 9 |
| New York | #2342 | 5 |
| Texas | #2579 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Pilar is usually pronounced pee-LAHR, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with P and ends in “-ar”.
Middle names for Pilar
A few middle names that flow with Pilar: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Pilar
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Lists that include Pilar
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Pilar mean?
Pilar is a Spanish name that means “pillar”.
What is the origin of the name Pilar?
Pilar has Spanish roots. Pilar is a Spanish name meaning pillar, taken from the Marian title Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Our Lady of the Pillar.
Is Pilar a popular name?
Not especially. Pilar ranked #3,336 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Pilar a boy or girl name?
Pilar is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Pilar?
Pilar is usually pronounced pee-LAHR. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings