The name Pilar is of Spanish origin and means “pillar”. It is a name that has been used for centuries and has a rich history and meaning behind it. In Catholic tradition, the name Pilar is associated with the appearance of the Virgin Mary on a marble pillar in Saragossa, Spain. The title “María del Pilar” is given to the Virgin Mary in honor of this event.
The name Pilar is a beautiful and unique choice for a baby girl. It has a special sense of strength, elegance, and style, making it a worthy choice for parents seeking a meaningful name for their child. The fact that it does not end in the conventional letter “a” gives it an added sense of individuality. The name has been gaining popularity in recent years, and it is easy to see why. If you are considering the name Pilar for your baby, it is important to understand its history and significance.
Origins of the Name Pilar
Pilar is a feminine name of Spanish origin that has been in use since the Middle Ages. It means “pillar” in Spanish and is taken from the title of the Virgin Mary, María del Pilar, which means “Mary of the Pillar”. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared on a pillar to Saint James the Greater when he was in Saragossa, Spain. The pillar is still venerated today in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza.
The name Pilar has been popular in Spanish-speaking countries for centuries, and it is often given to girls who are born on the feast day of Our Lady of the Pillar, which is celebrated on October 12th. The name is also associated with strength and stability, as a pillar is a strong and sturdy support structure.
In the Catholic tradition, the Virgin Mary is often referred to by different titles, depending on the location and the particular devotion. María del Pilar is one of these titles, and it is associated with the apparition of the Virgin Mary on the pillar in Saragossa. The name Pilar, therefore, has a strong religious connotation and is often chosen by parents who want to honor their faith.
Overall, the name Pilar is a beautiful and meaningful choice for girls, and it carries with it a rich history and tradition. Whether you choose it for its religious significance or simply because you like the sound of it, Pilar is a name that is sure to make a strong and lasting impression.
Popularity of Pilar
Pilar is a beautiful and unique name with Spanish origin, meaning “pillar.” It has been a popular name choice for baby girls for many years. Let’s take a closer look at the popularity of Pilar.
Popularity Chart
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), Pilar has not been a top-ranking name in the United States. However, it has maintained a consistent level of popularity over the years. In 2022, Pilar was ranked #1,437 on the list of most popular baby girl names in the United States.
Baby Names
Pilar is a lovely name choice for baby girls. It has a strong and elegant sound that is sure to make your little one stand out. If you’re looking for similar names to Pilar, you might consider Paloma, Catalina, Penelope, Maite, Lola, Isabel, Ines, Amelia, Violeta, or Luna.
Popularity Over Time
Pilar’s popularity has remained steady over the years. It was first listed in the United States in the early 1900s and reached its peak popularity in the 1990s. Since then, its popularity has declined slightly, but it remains a well-known and well-loved name choice for baby girls.
Names With Similar Sound
If you like the sound of Pilar but are looking for a different name, you might consider names with a similar sound. Some examples include Piper, Penelope, Phoebe, or Perla.
Popular Sibling Names
If you’re expecting another child and are looking for a name that pairs well with Pilar, you might consider names like Sofia, Isabella, Mateo, or Diego.
Overall, Pilar is a beautiful and unique name choice for baby girls. Its popularity may not be as high as some other names, but it has a strong and elegant sound that is sure to make your little one stand out.
Pilar in Literature and Media
The name Pilar has been used in various literary works and media. Here are some notable mentions:
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Ernest Hemingway’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls” features a character named Pilar, who is a strong, brave, and passionate woman. She is a member of the guerrilla group fighting against Franco’s forces during the Spanish Civil War. Pilar’s character represents the resilience and determination of the Spanish people during the war.
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Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude” mentions a character named Pilar Ternera, who is a beautiful and seductive woman. She is a symbol of sensuality and passion in the novel.
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Margaret Atwood’s “The Year of the Flood” has a character named Pilar, who is a member of the God’s Gardeners eco-religious group. She is a kind and nurturing woman who helps the protagonist, Toby, in her journey.
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Agatha Christie’s “The Mirror Crack’d From Side to Side” has a character named Marina Gregg, who is a famous actress. Her character is based on the real-life actress, Elizabeth Taylor. In the book, Marina’s house is named “Pilar” after the famous Spanish landmark, which is a nod to her character’s beauty and strength.
Overall, the name Pilar has been used to represent various qualities such as strength, passion, beauty, and sensuality in literature and media.
Famous Personalities Named Pilar
Pilar is a popular name among Spanish-speaking countries and has been used by many famous personalities. Here are some notable individuals named Pilar:
Pilar Montenegro
Pilar Montenegro is a Mexican singer and actress who rose to fame in the late 1990s. She has released several albums and appeared in numerous telenovelas, including “La Mentira” and “Rosalinda”. Montenegro has won several awards for her work in the entertainment industry.
Pilar Pellicer
Pilar Pellicer was a Mexican actress and director who appeared in over 100 films and television shows during her career. She was known for her roles in the films “El Topo” and “The Holy Mountain”. Pellicer also worked as a theater director and was a member of the National Council for Culture and the Arts.
Pilar Ortega
Pilar Ortega is a Spanish politician who served as the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Environment from 2011 to 2016. She was also a member of the Spanish Parliament and the European Parliament. Ortega is known for her work in environmental policy and sustainable development.
Pilar Reed
Pilar Reed is an American actress who has appeared in several films and television shows. She is best known for her role in the film “The Exorcist III” and the television series “The X-Files”. Reed has also worked as a voice actress and has provided voices for several video games.
Pilar Bardem
Pilar Bardem was a Spanish actress who appeared in over 80 films during her career. She was known for her roles in the films “Nobody Will Speak of Us When We’re Dead” and “The Sea Inside”. Bardem was also a political activist and a member of the Spanish Communist Party.
Pilar Barreiro
Pilar Barreiro is a Spanish politician who served as a member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2014. She was also a member of the Spanish Senate and the Regional Assembly of Murcia. Barreiro is known for her work in agriculture and rural development.
Pilar Bosley
Pilar Bosley is an American artist and educator who works in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, and printmaking. She has exhibited her work in galleries and museums throughout the United States and has received several awards for her art.
Pilar Hidalgo
Pilar Hidalgo is a Spanish journalist and television presenter who has worked for several Spanish television networks, including TVE and Antena 3. She is known for her work in news and current affairs programming.
Pilar Homem de Melo
Pilar Homem de Melo is a Portuguese artist and educator who works in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, and installation. She has exhibited her work in galleries and museums throughout Portugal and has received several awards for her art.
Pilar López de Ayala
Pilar López de Ayala is a Spanish actress who has appeared in several films and television shows. She is best known for her role in the film “Mad Love” and the television series “Gran Hotel”. López de Ayala has won several awards for her work in the entertainment industry.
Pilar Lorengar
Pilar Lorengar was a Spanish operatic soprano who performed in opera houses throughout Europe and the United States. She was known for her roles in the operas of Mozart and Verdi. Lorengar also worked as a voice teacher and was a member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando.
Pilar Seurat
Pilar Seurat was a Filipino-American actress who appeared in several films and television shows during the 1960s and 1970s. She was known for her roles in the films “The Ugly American” and “The Green Berets”. Seurat also worked as a model and a dancer.
Overall, the name Pilar has been used by many talented individuals in various fields, including entertainment, politics, art, and more.
Pilar as a Surname
Pilar is a surname that originates from Spanish culture. It is derived from the Marian name María del Pilar or title Nuestra Señora del Pilar ‘Our Lady of the Pillar’ (from pilar ‘pillar column’). The surname may also be a reference to a local church dedicated to the Virgin Mary bearing this title.
In France, Pilar is a rare surname. It is not listed in the top 1000 surnames in France. However, in Portugal, it is a more common surname, ranking 4,406th in the country.
It is also worth noting that in Czech and Serbo-Croatian cultures, the surname Pilař or Pilar literally means the occupation of sawyer. The Czech-language feminine form of the surname is Pilarová or Pilařová.
Overall, while Pilar may not be a common surname in some countries, it has significant cultural and religious significance in Spanish culture and is a recognized surname in Portugal.
Variations and Related Names
The name Pilar has several variations and related names that are worth exploring. Here are some of them:
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Pilár: This is a diminutive form of Pilar that is commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries. It is pronounced as “pee-LAR” and means “pillar.”
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Ava: Ava is a name of Latin origin that means “life” or “bird.” It is a popular name that has been used for centuries. Ava is a name that is related to Pilar because both names have a strong and elegant sound.
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Mila: Mila is a name of Slavic origin that means “gracious” or “dear.” It is a popular name that has been used for centuries. Mila is a name that is related to Pilar because both names have a strong and elegant sound.
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Paz: Paz is a name of Spanish origin that means “peace.” It is a name that is related to Pilar because both names have a religious connotation. Paz is also a name that has a simple and elegant sound.
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Teo: Teo is a name of Greek origin that means “gift of God.” It is a name that is related to Pilar because both names have a religious connotation. Teo is also a name that has a strong and masculine sound.
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Benjamin: Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin that means “son of the right hand.” It is a name that is related to Pilar because both names have a religious connotation. Benjamin is also a name that has a classic and timeless sound.
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María del Pilar: María del Pilar is a Spanish name that means “Mary of the Pillar.” It is a name that is related to Pilar because it is derived from the same religious legend. María del Pilar is a name that has a strong and elegant sound.
Overall, the variations and related names of Pilar are diverse and interesting. They all have their own unique meanings and origins, but they share a common thread of strength and elegance.
Symbolism of the Name Pilar
The name Pilar is derived from the Spanish word “pillar,” which means “pillar” or “column.” The name is associated with strength, stability, and support, just like a pillar or column supports a structure.
In the Catholic tradition, the name is also associated with the Virgin Mary, who is honored with the title “María del Pilar,” which means “Mary of the Pillar.” According to legend, Saint James the Greater saw a vision of the Virgin Mary on a pillar in Zaragoza, Spain, and the pillar is still preserved today in the Basilica del Pilar.
The name Pilar also has connotations of salvation. In the story of Saint James the Greater and the Virgin Mary, the appearance of the Virgin Mary on the pillar saved Saint James from persecution and helped to spread Christianity in Spain.
Overall, the name Pilar represents strength, support, and salvation, making it a meaningful choice for parents who want to honor these qualities in their child.
| Entity | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Pillar | Strength, stability, support |
| Saint James the Greater | Salvation, protection |
| Basin | Cleansing, renewal |