Pilar is a charming and distinctive name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "pila," which means "column" or "pillar." In Spanish culture, Pilar is often associated with the Virgin Mary, who is known as "Nuestra Señora del Pilar" in the Catholic tradition. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to apherd named Santiago on a pillar near the Ebro River in Zaragoza, Spain, in the year 40 AD. This event led to the construction of the famous Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar in her honor.
The name Pilar gained popularity in Spain and among Spanish-speaking communities around the world as a result of this religious significance. Today, it is still considered a classic and elegant choice for parents looking for a meaningful and unique name for their daughter. Although it has traditionally been more popular in Spanish-speaking countries, Pilar has begun to gain recognition and usage in other parts of the world as well.
In terms of pronunciation, Pilar is typically pronounced "PEE-lar" with the stress on the first syllable. The name can be spelled with either one or two Ls (Pilar or Pilara), but both spellings are considered correct and interchangeable.
Overall, Pilar is a beautiful and significant name that carries a rich history and cultural heritage. It is an excellent choice for parents who wish to honor Spanish tradition and give their daughter a strong and distinctive name with deep roots in Catholic spirituality.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Pilar has seen a varied trend in its popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1913 to 1945, the number of babies named Pilar ranged from as low as 6 births in some years to a high of 22 births in 1951. There were several fluctuations during this period, with peaks occurring in 1920 (18 births), 1935 (12 births), and 1948 (17 births). However, the number of babies named Pilar remained relatively low throughout these years.
After a decline in popularity from the late 1940s to the early 1960s, with some years recording fewer than 10 births, there was a resurgence in the use of the name Pilar. From 1964 to 1975, the number of babies named Pilar hovered around 5 to 11 births per year, suggesting a slight increase in its popularity.
The trend continued with some fluctuations between 1976 and 1983, with an average of about 7 to 9 births per year. There was another peak in 1985 when there were 14 babies named Pilar. However, from the late 1980s onwards, the popularity of the name Pilar began to decline once again.
From 1989 to 2008, the number of births for the name Pilar varied between 6 and 11 per year, with most years seeing fewer than 10 births. Despite these fluctuations, it is clear that the name Pilar has not been as popular in recent decades compared to its peak periods earlier in the century.
In total, there were 753 babies named Pilar born in the United States between 1913 and 2008, according to the statistics provided. While the popularity of the name has fluctuated over the years, it has maintained a consistent presence as a given name for children during this period.