Gil - Name Meaning and Popularity -

Meaning of Gil

Gil is a bright, one-syllable gem that feels at once timeless and fresh. With roots in Old French and Hebrew—meaning “joy” or “bright pledge”—this spirited name dances effortlessly across languages: English speakers know it as gil (/ɡɪl/), Spanish as heel (/xil/), and Italian as jeel (/dʒil/). Though Gil has never stormed the very top of the U.S. charts, the name has held steady in the top 1,000 for over a century, ranking No. 897 in 2024 with 27 newborns—a gentle reminder that quiet brilliance endures. And unlike names that come with built-in nicknames, Gil is delightfully complete—no frills attached. Evoking playful troubadours, adventurous visionaries, and the promise of laughter around every corner, Gil offers parents a warm, confident choice: a single-syllable spark primed to light up a lifetime.