Lis

♀ Girl

Pronounced LEES /ˈliːs/Medium

Meaning: A Danish short form of Elisabeth ('my God is an oath'), long used on its own. Separately, lis is the French word for the lily, as in the fleur-de-lis. Both routes are genuine, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: One clean beat: Lis is a Danish short form of Elisabeth, and the French word for the lily (said 'LEES').

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Origin MediumDanish, French

MeaningA Danish short form of Elisabeth ('my God is an oath'), long used on its own. Separately, lis is the French word for the lily, as in the fleur-de-lis. Both routes are genuine, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#16630 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1961

Total births (all-time)≈ 349

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Lis has been a standalone Danish name for generations, clipped from Elisabeth ('my God is an oath'). In French, lis names the lily — the flower of the royal fleur-de-lis. The two routes are separate and both genuine, which we note. Very rare in the U.S. (said 'LEES').

It appears very rarely in the U.S.; it is familiar in Denmark. Rare, minimal, and elegant.

Did you know? Lis works two ways — in Denmark it is a long-established short form of Elisabeth, and in French lis is the lily, the flower of the fleur-de-lis. Both routes are real, which we note (said 'LEES').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Lis — Danish short form of Elisabeth; French 'lily'

Variations

LiseLissLissy

Nicknames

LissyLi

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Lis…

Elise— the fuller Elisabeth form

Lily— the flower its French route names

Ines— a like short European name

Luce— another short pick

Belle— shares Lis's French roots

Explore names like Lis

By themeshort floral european danish

By meaningGod / Divine Flower

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Lis mean?

Lis is a Danish short form of Elisabeth ('my God is an oath'); in French, lis is also the word for the lily.

How do you pronounce Lis?

It's said LEES /ˈliːs/ — one syllable.

Is Lis a boy or girl name?

Lis is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Lis?

Lis is a very rare name in the U.S., though familiar in Denmark.