Pilar

At a Glance

Meaning

Pillar, column — from the Marian devotional title 'Nuestra Señora del Pilar' (Our Lady of the Pillar)

Origin

Spanish

Gender

Girl

Pronunciation

pee-LARListen

Pilar is a Spanish girl's name that comes from the devotional title 'Nuestra Señora del Pilar' (Our Lady of the Pillar), and it literally means 'pillar' or 'column.' You'll often see it glossed as 'strength,' but that's an association with pillars rather than the real meaning. It has a classic, worldly feel, and it's pronounced pee-LAR.

Meaning & Origin of Pilar

Meaning: Pillar, column — from the Marian devotional title 'Nuestra Señora del Pilar' (Our Lady of the Pillar).

Origin: Spanish.

A common claim: strength Actually: Pilar is often glossed as meaning 'strength,' but that's an association with pillars, not the literal meaning — the name literally means 'pillar/column' and references a Marian devotional title, not the abstract quality of strength.

Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.

How to Pronounce Pilar

Popularity of Pilar

Pilar peaked at #1317 in 1924, when 38 baby girls were given the name, and in 2024 it ranked #3477 with 45 babies. That makes it a rare pick today, with slightly more girls named Pilar now than at its peak.

Names Like Pilar

These names share Pilar’s style, era or origin.

• Gabriela
• Alejandra
• Cristina
• Ezequiel
• Isabela
• Josefina

FAQ

What does the name Pilar mean?

Pillar, column — from the Marian devotional title ‘Nuestra Señora del Pilar’ (Our Lady of the Pillar). (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Pilar?

Pilar is pronounced pee-LAR (IPA: /piˈlɑr/).

Is Pilar a popular name right now?

Pilar peaked at #1317 in 1924 and is ranked #3477 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1896–2024.)

Make Pilar Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Pilar, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.