Most Famous Hilarys in the World
From award-winning actors to globe-trotting musicians and culture-shaping creatives, plenty of notable figures share the first name Hilary. Below is a friendly, fact-focused tour through some of the most widely recognized Hilarys across film, television, music, literature, fashion, sports, and broadcasting. Each entry highlights the work people tend to know them for and the milestones that helped make their names familiar around the world.
Hilary Swank
Hilary Swank is an American actor best known for acclaimed performances in ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ and ‘Million Dollar Baby’, earning the industry’s top award for each role. She has also headlined projects such as ‘P.S. I Love You’ and the investigative drama ‘Alaska Daily’ on television. Beyond acting, she has production credits and philanthropic initiatives focused on education and animal welfare. Swank’s career is marked by physically demanding roles and extensive preparation to portray complex, true-to-life characters.
Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff is an actor and recording artist who first broke through on Disney Channel’s ‘Lizzie McGuire’. Her pop albums reached major commercial success, and she later returned to TV leading the comedy ‘How I Met Your Father’. Duff has starred in films including ‘A Cinderella Story’ and built a parallel career as an author and entrepreneur. She remains a recognizable figure to multiple generations thanks to early teen-icon status and a steady slate of screen and music projects.
Hilary Hahn
Hilary Hahn is a celebrated American violinist known for technically precise, emotionally direct interpretations across the classical repertoire. She has released best-selling albums spanning Bach to contemporary composers and tours internationally with leading orchestras. Hahn engages audiences beyond the concert hall through educational outreach and practice-challenge projects that demystify classical performance. Her collaborations frequently premiere new works, expanding the instrument’s modern canon.
Hilary Knight
Hilary Knight is an American ice hockey forward and one of the most recognizable names in women’s international hockey. She has earned multiple world championship titles and is an Olympic champion with Team USA. Knight has been a prominent advocate for professional opportunities and equitable support in women’s hockey. Her scoring records and big-game performances have made her a fixture at the sport’s highest levels.
Hilary Devey
Hilary Devey was a British entrepreneur and television personality best known for investing on ‘Dragons’ Den’. She founded the freight distribution company Pall-Ex and became a prominent voice for logistics and entrepreneurship. Devey used her platform to discuss business leadership and social mobility, drawing on her experience building a national network in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her on-screen presence introduced a wide audience to the realities of supply chains and scaling companies.
Hilary Rhoda
Hilary Rhoda is an American model who rose to prominence in global beauty campaigns and on high-profile runways. She became closely associated with luxury skincare and cosmetics branding, helping define a polished, athletic aesthetic in fashion imagery. Rhoda’s portfolio includes international magazine covers, editorial work, and major runway seasons. Her career reflects the crossover between fashion, lifestyle branding, and social media presentation.
Share your favorite Hilary and the work you know them for in the comments!