What Does the Name Pilar Mean?
Pilar is a girl's name of Spanish origin meaning “"pillar".”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Pilar |
|---|---|
| Gender | female |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Meaning | "pillar" |
| Variants | Pili, Maripili, Pilarica |
| Popularity | A quintessentially Spanish name, very popular in Spain; commonly shortened to Pili. |
The meaning and origin of Pilar
The name Pilar means “"pillar"” and has Spanish origins. From the Spanish word pilar "pillar," taken from the Marian title Nuestra Señora del Pilar ("Our Lady of the Pillar"), patroness of Spain, venerated in Zaragoza. Often paired as María del Pilar.
Variants and related names
Pilar is related to several other names you may recognize: Pili, Maripili, Pilarica. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Pilar?
A quintessentially Spanish name, very popular in Spain; commonly shortened to Pili.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Pilar mean?+
The name Pilar means “"pillar"” and is of Spanish origin.
What is the origin of the name Pilar?+
Pilar originates from Spanish.
Is Pilar a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Pilar has trended in the US over time.
Pilar by gender
More girl's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press