הִלֵּל

Hillel

boyHebrewJewish

Hillel is a Jewish boy name of Hebrew origin, meaning “Praised; praise”.

MeaningPraised; praise
GenderBoy
OriginHebrew
Written asהִלֵּל
Pronunciationhee-LEL
TraditionJewish
Used inIsrael, United States

Meaning and origin of Hillel

Hillel comes from the Hebrew root h-l-l, 'to praise', which also gives the word Hallelujah. A minor biblical figure named Hillel appears in the Book of Judges as the father of the judge Abdon. The name is best known, however, through Hillel the Elder, the great sage of the first century BCE whose school of interpretation shaped rabbinic Judaism and who is remembered for summing up the Torah as 'what is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour'.

Is Hillel a Jewish name?

Hillel is a deeply Jewish name, honouring Hillel the Elder, one of the most revered teachers in the Talmud. The campus organisation Hillel International is named after him.

How popular is Hillel?

Used by Jewish families, especially religious ones, in Israel and the diaspora; uncommon outside Jewish communities.

Gifts with the name Hillel

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Spellings and variants of Hillel

Hilel

Names similar to Hillel

ShammaiGamlielAkivaElior

More Jewish boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Hillel mean?

Hillel means 'Praised; praise'. It is of Hebrew origin.

Is Hillel a Jewish name?

Hillel is a deeply Jewish name, honouring Hillel the Elder, one of the most revered teachers in the Talmud. The campus organisation Hillel International is named after him.

How do you pronounce Hillel?

Hillel is pronounced hee-LEL.

Is Hillel a boy or girl name?

Hillel is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.