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Home β€Ί Baby Names Directory β€Ί Lian

Lian

♀ Girl

Pronounced lee-AHN /liΛˆΙ‘n/Medium

Meaning: From Chinese lian, 'graceful willow' or 'lotus' (depending on character); here for girlsMedium

In 30 seconds: Graceful as a willow: Lian is Chinese for 'graceful willow' or 'lotus'. Soft, elegant, and serene.
πŸ’• Browse more names
Origin MediumChinese
MeaningFrom Chinese lian, 'graceful willow' or 'lotus' (depending on character); here for girls
U.S. rank (2025)#3621 β†— Rising
2025 U.S. births42 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)β‰ˆ 1,126

Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data

peak 202119572025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Lian comes from Chinese lian, 'graceful willow' or 'lotus' β€” the meaning shifting with the character (which we note). A soft, elegant name, here for girls (it's also a Hebrew unisex name, 'my joy').

In the U.S. it appears in Chinese families. Rare, willow-or-lotus at the root, and serene.

Did you know? Lian means 'graceful willow' or 'lotus' in Chinese (depending on the character) β€” both images of gentle beauty; a soft, elegant name.
Overall data confidence 72%
Chinese references β€” Lian β€” character-dependent

Variations

LianeLienLan

Nicknames

Li

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Lian…

Meiβ€” another soft Chinese name
Kylinβ€” lands in the same popularity range
Renβ€” the same nature feel
Jiaβ€” lands in the same popularity range
Mulanβ€” shares the -an ending

Explore names like Lian

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Lian mean?

Lian is Chinese for 'graceful willow' or 'lotus' (depending on the character).

How do you pronounce Lian?

It's said lee-AHN /liΛˆΙ‘n/ β€” two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Lian a boy or girl name?

Lian is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Lian?

Lian is a rare name in the U.S.

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