"pillar, column"
Origin: Spanish
Language: English
Pilar
Pronunciation: [ p-EYEL-er ]
Does Pilar flow with your last name?
A proud Spanish name rooted in faith and strength
Spanish
Latin American
Catalan
Elegant
Sophisticated
Classic
Spiritual
Strong
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"support, foundation"
Origin: Latin
Language: Spanish
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The Story of Pilar
Pilar is a Spanish name derived from the word pilar meaning pillar or column. It is a title of the Virgin Mary — Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Our Lady of the Pillar) — referring to a legend in which the Virgin Mary appeared to the apostle James in Zaragoza, Spain, standing on a pillar. The name is deeply embedded in Spanish Catholic tradition and is especially popular in the Aragon region.
Pilar has been a consistently popular name in Spain and Latin America for centuries due to its Marian religious significance. It gained some international recognition when Ernest Hemingway used it as the name of a major character in For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940).
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza is one of Spain's most important religious sites and attracts millions of pilgrims annually. The feast day of Nuestra Señora del Pilar on October 12 is celebrated throughout Spain and coincides with Hispanic Heritage Day.
Historical Record
Pilar first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 4,701 babies have been named Pilar in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Pilar is past its peak , currently ranked #3,452 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Basilica del Pilar in Zaragoza is one of the largest churches in the world
- Pilar is the name of Hemingway's boat, named after the character in For Whom the Bell Tolls
- October 12 is celebrated as the Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar throughout Spain
Pilar in Other Languages
French
Pilar
Catalan
Pilar
Italian
Pilar
Spanish
Pilar
Portuguese
Pilar
Popularity Over Time
#3,452
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1990
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Pilar
P
Pilar Bardem
Actor
1939
Spanish actress and mother of Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem
P
Pilar Pallete
Actor
1928
Peruvian actress and third wife of John Wayne
P
Pilar (For Whom the Bell Tolls) Fictional
Other
Strong-willed guerrilla fighter in Ernest Hemingway's 1940 novel, considered one of his greatest female characters
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,452
- Total SSA Count
- 45
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Latin American Catalan
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pili
Piliche
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Pilar
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Pilar is also used as a boy name, ranked #20097.
View Pilar as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Spanish)
See all Spanish names →Names with Similar Meaning
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pilar
What does the name Pilar mean?
"pillar, column" (from Spanish). "support, foundation" (from Latin). Pilar is a Spanish name derived from the word pilar meaning pillar or column. It is a title of the Virgin Mary — Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Our Lady of the Pillar) — referring to a legend in which the Virgin Mary appeared to the apostle James in Zaragoza, Spain, standing on a pillar. The name is deeply embedded in Spanish Catholic tradition and is especially popular in the Aragon region.
What is the origin of the name Pilar?
Pilar has Spanish, Latin, Latin American, and Catalan origins. In Spanish, it means "pillar, column". In Latin, it means "support, foundation".
Is Pilar a boy or girl name?
Pilar is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #3452. As a boy name, it is ranked #20097. Pilar is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Pilar?
Pilar is pronounced p-EYEL-er.
How popular is the name Pilar?
Pilar is currently ranked #3452 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Pilar?
Common nicknames for Pilar include Pili and Piliche.
What are good middle names for Pilar?
Popular middle name pairings include Pilar Elena, Pilar Sofia, Pilar Carmen, Pilar Lucia, Pilar Isabel, Pilar Cristina, and Pilar Rosario.
What are good sibling names for Pilar?
Names that pair well with Pilar as siblings include Diego, Consuelo, Lola, Ramon, Esperanza, and Rodrigo.
How many syllables does Pilar have?
Pilar has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Pilar a common or rare name?
Pilar is an uncommon name, ranked #3452 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Pilar
Pilar is a girl name with Spanish, Latin American, and Catalan origins . The name means "pillar, column" in Spanish .
Is Pilar a boy or girl name? Pilar is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #3,452 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #20,097. Pilar is more commonly used as a girl name.
Pilar is currently ranked #3,452 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Pilar has 2 syllables and is pronounced p-EYEL-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Pilar include Pili and Piliche. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis