US Popularity Rank: 23188

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Monument, heap of testimony, site of testimony

We are here to testify about the virtues of the name Gilead! An ancient and important name, Gilead is a masculine moniker with Hebrew roots. This biblical choice references the mountainous near the Jordan River, and also appears in the bible three times. Gilead is made up of the elements gal, meaning “hill,” “mound,” or “heap,” and êd, meaning “witness,” or “testimony,” culminating in the meaning of “heap of testimony,” “monument,” or “site of testimony.” This historic name has also featured in pop culture as the fictional theocratic society of Gilead in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. So, giving baby Gil this name is sure to keep them connected to their heritage and culture in a unique way.