Home › Baby Names Directory › Lily

Lily

♀ Girl

Pronounced LIL-ee /ˈlɪl.i/High

Meaning: Lily flower; symbol of purity and innocenceHigh

In 30 seconds: From the Latin for the lily flower, a universal symbol of purity and beauty. Lily is a beloved floral name that has surged back into the U.S. top 20 in the 21st century.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighLatin, Old English
MeaningLily flower; symbol of purity and innocence
Peak year2011
Total births (all-time)≈ 142,335

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201118802017

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

History & Origin

Lily comes from the Latin lilium, referring to the lily plant of the genus Lilium. The lily has been a symbol of purity, royalty, and rebirth across ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Christian traditions. The name was used as a medieval nickname for Elizabeth before becoming independent.

Lily was popular in Victorian England alongside other flower names. It also functioned as a diminutive of Elizabeth. It declined through the mid-20th century but has experienced a sustained revival since the 1990s, consistently ranking in the U.S. top 30 and frequently in the top 15.

Did you know? The white lily (Lilium candidum, the Madonna Lily) has been associated with the Virgin Mary since early Christian art, symbolizing purity. It was also the emblem of the French royal family (fleur-de-lis) in a stylized form.

Variations

LillyLiliLillieLiliana

Nicknames

LilLils

Famous Bearers

  • ★Lily Tomlin (1939–)
    American actress and comedian, Emmy and Grammy award winner.
  • ★Lily Allen (1985–)
    British singer-songwriter.

If you like Lily…

Violet— shares the floral nature-name Victorian revival feel
Rose— fellow classic flower name with the same timeless purity
Hazel— shares the Edwardian nature-name revival charm
Ivy— another plant name with the same elegant simplicity

Frequently Asked

What does the name Lily mean?

Lily comes from the Latin lilium and refers to the lily flower, long a symbol of purity, beauty, and rebirth in many cultures.

How do you pronounce Lily?

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

Is Lily a boy or girl name?

Lily is used almost exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Lily?

Lily has ranked in the U.S. top 30 girls' names consistently since the late 1990s and often places in the top 15.