Lilac

♀ Girl

Lilac Pronunciation

Lilac is pronounced LY-lak /ˈlaɪ.læk/High

Meaning: The fragrant spring shrub and its pale purple color; from Persian nilak via Arabic and French, 'bluish'High

In 30 seconds: Spring's most fragrant fortnight, made a name: Lilac is the purple flowering shrub whose scent means May. A bold bloom-name with Persian roots and a color built in.

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Origin HighPersian, English

MeaningThe fragrant spring shrub and its pale purple color; from Persian nilak via Arabic and French, 'bluish'

U.S. rank (2024)#3603 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births43 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 335

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Lilac names the spring shrub and its pale-purple hue — Persian nilak, 'bluish', from nil, 'indigo', through Arabic and French. As a given name it belongs to the bolder flower-name wave with Marigold and Clover, prized for fragrance and color alike.

It registers thinly and recently for girls. Rare, fragrant, and purple-rooted, with Lila waiting inside.

Did you know? Lilac comes from Persian nilak, 'bluish' — the same root as 'indigo' — traveling through Arabic and French before naming the flower whose color it describes.

Overall data confidence 90%

Oxford English Dictionary — lilac — word etymology

Variations

LilachLylac

Nicknames

LilaLily

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Lilac…

Lila— the short form hiding inside

Violet— a fellow purple flower-name

Marigold— the companion bold bloom name

Iris— another purple-toned flower favorite

→ See all names like Lilac

Browse the whole category: All Persian names → · All English names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Lilac?

Lilac is pronounced LY-lak (/ˈlaɪ.læk/). Press play above to hear Lilac said aloud.

How do you say Lilac?

Lilac is said LY-lak (/ˈlaɪ.læk/). Press play above to hear Lilac said aloud.

What does the name Lilac mean?

Lilac is the fragrant spring shrub and its pale purple color, from Persian nilak, 'bluish'.

Is Lilac a boy or girl name?

Lilac is a girl's name.

How popular is Lilac?

Lilac is a rare flower-name in the U.S.