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Lilian

♀ Girl

Pronounced LIL-ee-an /ˈlɪl.i.ən/High

Meaning: Derived from Latin lilium ('lily') or a variant of Lily; the lily has long symbolized purity and innocence, and the name Lilian extended from the flower-name tradition popular in the Victorian eraHigh

In 30 seconds: Lilian is an elegant Victorian floral name from the Latin lily, meaning purity and innocence. Three graceful syllables — one step beyond Lily with all the vintage charm intact.
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Origin HighLatin, English
MeaningDerived from Latin lilium ('lily') or a variant of Lily; the lily has long symbolized purity and innocence, and the name Lilian extended from the flower-name tradition popular in the Victorian era
U.S. rank (2025)#560 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births537 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 20,462

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200718802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Lilian derives from Latin lilium ('lily'), the fragrant white flower long associated with purity, innocence, and the divine. The name developed as an extended form of Lily in the Victorian era, when flower names were enormously fashionable for girls. It may also be related to Elizabeth through a folk etymology, though this connection is informal. Lillian (double-l) is the more common American spelling.

Lilian / Lillian was among the most popular girls' names in the United States at the turn of the 20th century, entering the top 10. It declined through the mid-century but has been experiencing a strong vintage-revival. Both the Lillian and Lilian spellings are in the top 200, and the name benefits from the parallel rises of Lily, Lillie, and Liliana.

Did you know? The lily was sacred to the goddess Hera in Greek mythology — legend held that it sprang from her divine milk — and was later adopted by early Christians as a symbol of the Virgin Mary's purity, giving Lilian a dual heritage of pagan and Christian beauty.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name — Lilian — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LillianLilianaLiliane

Nicknames

LilyLiliLil

Famous Bearers

  • ★Lillian Hellman (1905–1984)
    American playwright, author of The Children's Hour and The Little Foxes.

If you like Lilian…

Lillian— the double-l alternate spelling of the identical name with the same floral Latin meaning
Lily— the direct short form and flower-name root from which Lilian derives
Eleanor— three-syllable Victorian-era classic girls' name in the same gentle revival wave
Evelyn— three-syllable vintage American classic with the same feminine warmth and floral grace

Frequently Asked

What does the name Lilian mean?

Lilian derives from Latin lilium meaning 'lily,' the flower long associated with purity and innocence. It is an extended Victorian form of Lily.

How do you pronounce Lilian?

It is said LIL-ee-an — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Lilian a boy or girl name?

Lilian is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Lilian?

Lilian (and the Lillian spelling) rank in the U.S. top 200 for girls and are rising strongly as part of the Victorian floral name revival.