Where did the baby name Jilla come from in 1951?

Singer Jilla Webb
Jilla Webb

The uncommon baby name Jilla appeared for the first time in the U.S. baby name data in 1951:

  • 1953: unlisted
  • 1952: unlisted
  • 1951: 6 baby girls named Jilla [debut]
  • 1950: unlisted
  • 1949: unlisted

Why?

Likely because of American pop/jazz vocalist Jilla Webb (born Shirley Weber in Detroit in 1921).

She got her start in New York City, singing on the radio and in nightclubs. Then she recorded several singles, such as “Forever and Ever” in 1949, “Love Is Here to Stay” in 1951, and “There’s Poison In Your Heart” in 1953.

In 1954, she was hired as the vocalist for the renowned Harry James Orchestra. During her six years in that position, she “traveled to Europe, Latin America and across the nation.”

The similar name Jill was very trendy in the early ’50s — it reached the top 100 by the end of the decade (and stayed there for nearly 30 years) — but Jilla remained a mere one-hit wonder.

Do you like the name Jilla? Now that Willa is on the rise, do you think Jilla could catch on as a variant?

Sources:

Image: Clipping from the Lewiston Morning Tribune (22 Jun. 1961)

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