The first name Gil

In 2025, 3 boys were named Gil, making it the 5,137th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2011, with 14 births (#1,600).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Gil with other names.

In 2025, 20 boys born in the United States were named Gil, the 4,917th most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 1957, when 124 were.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• Gil Evans
  American composer, arranger, bandleader, and pianist (1912–1988)
• Gil Birmingham
  American actor, born 1953
• Carlos Gilberto Nascimento Silva
  Football player, born 1987
• Gil Bellows
  Canadian actor, born 1967
• Gil Gerard
  American actor (1943–2025)
• Gil Álvarez de Albornoz
  14th century Spanish cardinal, archbishop, Chancellor of Toledo and ecclesiastical leader, 1310–1367
• Gil Roberts
  American sprinter, born 1989
• Gil Merrick
  English footballer (1922–2010)
• Gil de Ferran
  Franco-Brazilian pilot racecar driver and team owner (1967–2023)
• Gil Ofarim
  German musician and actor, born 1982
• Gil Kane
  American comic book artist (1926–2000)
• Gil Amelio
  American technology executive (born 1943)

What does the name Gil mean?

Shortening.

How popular is the name Gil?

In 2025, 3 boys born in England and Wales were named Gil, ranking 5,137th. Its peak was 2011, with 14 births.

Is Gil a boy's or a girl's name?

Mostly a boy's name: 100% of the 4,971 US babies named Gil since 1880 were boys.

When was Gil most popular?

1957 in the United States, when 124 babies were named Gil, its highest rank at 686th.

How do you pronounce Gil?

Gil is /ɡɪl/, one syllable.

Is Gil also a surname?

Yes. Gil is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.