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Lillie

♀ Girl

Pronounced LIL-ee /ˈlɪl.i/High

Meaning: Variant spelling of Lily, from the Latin lilium meaning the lily flower; a symbol of purity and innocence in Christian tradition, and associated with the Virgin MaryHigh

In 30 seconds: A sweet Victorian spelling variant of Lily, Lillie carries all the floral purity of the lily with an old-fashioned -ie ending that gives it extra warmth and period charm.
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Origin HighEnglish, Latin
MeaningVariant spelling of Lily, from the Latin lilium meaning the lily flower; a symbol of purity and innocence in Christian tradition, and associated with the Virgin Mary
U.S. rank (2025)#676 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births420 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1919
Total births (all-time)≈ 158,909

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191918802025

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

History & Origin

Lillie is a variant spelling of Lily, derived from the Latin lilium, meaning the lily flower. The lily has been a symbol of purity, innocence, and the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition for centuries. In the Victorian era, both Lily and Lillie were popular given names, part of the broader fashion for flower names.

Lillie was particularly fashionable in the late 19th century and was used alongside Lily. It declined through the mid-20th century but is now reviving alongside the ongoing popularity of Lily. The -ie ending gives Lillie a slightly more vintage, old-fashioned character than the -y spelling. Today Lillie charts in the U.S. top 200 girls' names as a warm, charming variant.

Did you know? Lillie Langtry (1853–1929), the celebrated actress and socialite known as 'the Jersey Lily,' was one of the most famous women in Victorian Britain and a favorite of King Edward VII, giving this spelling of the name a deliciously glamorous Victorian-era resonance.
Overall data confidence 96%
Behind the Name — Lillie — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LilyLillyLilli

Nicknames

Lil

Famous Bearers

  • ★Lillie Langtry (1853–1929)
    Victorian actress and socialite, known as the Jersey Lily.

If you like Lillie…

Lily— direct -y spelling variant sharing the same root and meaning
Lilly— another spelling variant with the doubled-l from the same Victorian tradition
Violet— shares the Victorian floral name tradition and the same delicate, pretty character
Daisy— another Victorian floral nickname-name with the same breezy, charming energy

Frequently Asked

What does the name Lillie mean?

Lillie means the lily flower, from Latin lilium. The lily symbolizes purity and innocence and is associated with the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition.

How do you pronounce Lillie?

It is said LIL-ee /ˈlɪl.i/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Lillie the same as Lily?

Lillie and Lily are spelling variants of the same name; Lillie uses the Victorian -ie ending, giving it a slightly more antique charm.

Is Lillie a popular name?

Lillie is in the U.S. top 200 girls' names and has been reviving alongside the enormous popularity of Lily.