The name is intrinsically tied to the lily flower, a symbol of purity, innocence, and restored beauty. It suggests a child who is graceful yet strong, much like the perennial flower that returns faithfully every spring.
Verdict: Lillian is a pristine choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the perfect “Goldilocks” balance: it is recognizable and easy to spell without being trendy to the point of overuse. It is a timeless classic that will age beautifully from a toddler to a grandmother.
Lillian Overview
- Meaning: Lillian means lily, as in the flower.
- Gender: Lillian is usually considered a girl’s name, but it is occasionally used as a boy’s name.
- Origin: Lillian was derived from Latin.
- Pronunciation: Lillian is pronounced LIL-ee-an.
- Popularity: Lillian is very popular in the United States. It has been popular throughout most of the 20 and 21 centuries, but it is currently decreasing in popularity.
- Nicknames: Ann, Leona, Lil, Lils, Lily bug, and Tiger Lily.
- Variations: Liliana, Lilias, Lilija, Lillie, and Lilyann.
- Namesakes: Lillian Armstrong, Lillian Hellman, Lillian Wald.
What Does Lillian Mean?
At its core, Lillian means “lily,” connecting it directly to the botanical world. However, the etymology is richer than a simple dictionary definition. The name implies “purity” and “innocence,” attributes historically associated with the white lily flower in Christian iconography and Victorian language of flowers.
To name a child Lillian is to give them a name symbolizing rebirth and refined beauty. It carries a sense of brightness and light, without being overtly whimsical.
Where Does the Name Lillian Come From?
Lillian is an English name with deep historical roots. While it is obviously connected to the Latin word lilium (lily), onomatologists believe it likely originated in the 16th century as a diminutive or pet form of the name Elizabeth. Over time, the nickname “Lil” or “Lilly” evolved into the elaborated form “Lillian,” eventually becoming a standalone name in its own right.
It became a sensation during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, where “flower names” were the height of fashion. It has remained a staple in the English-speaking world ever since.
How Popular is the Name Lillian?
Lillian is a definition of a “comeback queen.” It was a massive hit in the early 1900s, ranking consistently in the top 10 names in the US for over two decades. Like many names from that era, it slowly faded as the mid-century approached, hitting its lowest point in the 1970s and 80s.
However, as the “100-year rule” of naming trends predicts, Lillian came roaring back. It re-entered the Top 100 in 2002 and has remained a parent favorite ever since. While it has dipped slightly from its peak in the 2010s, it remains a dominant choice in 2025, firmly established as a “modern classic” rather than a fleeting trend (1).
How Do I Pronounce Lillian?
The standard pronunciation in American English is LIL-ee-in.
It is a phonetic name that rarely suffers from mispronunciation. The emphasis is always placed on the first syllable.
Is Lillian a Boy or Girl Name?
Lillian is overwhelmingly used as a female name. In the US, it is strictly categorized as feminine. While the nickname “Lil” might arguably be unisex in some contexts, the full name Lillian has virtually no history of male usage in modern records.
However, in French cultures, the spelling “Lilian” (with one L in the middle) is occasionally seen as a male name, though it is distinct from the English feminine usage.
Variations of Lillian
If you love the sound of Lillian but want something that honors a specific heritage, there are beautiful variations across the globe:
- Lilia: A sleek Latin, Russian, or Hawaiian variation.
- Liliana: A romantic Spanish and Italian version that adds a lyrical flair.
- Liliane: The sophisticated French variation.
- Lilias: A charming, rare Scottish version historically used in the Lowlands.
- Lillie: A spelling variation that was popular in the American South; also seen in Danish, German, and Finnish cultures.
- Lilija: The Latvian and Lithuanian form.
- Elisabeth: The “mother” name from which Lillian likely derived.
Nicknames for Lillian
One of the best features of this name is its versatility. It offers cute nicknames for a baby and sophisticated options for an adult.
- The Classics: Lily, Lil, Lillie.
- The Vintage: Ann, Annie, Lea.
- The Creative/Rare:
- Lilo: A spunky, energetic option made famous by Disney.
- Lia: A sleek, modern shortening.
- Lili-Bet: A nod to the royal nickname connection.
Names Similar to Lillian
If Lillian is almost right but not quite perfect, consider these names that share a similar “vintage floral” or “soft consonant” vibe:
- Vivian: Shares the vintage revival status and the soft “ian” ending but feels slightly more energetic.
- Evelyn: Another powerhouse vintage name that rivals Lillian in popularity and style.
- Violet: A floral name that is slightly spunkier and less soft than Lillian.
- Lydia: Shares the lovely “L” beginning and classic biblical roots.
- Hazel: A nature name that feels cozy and vintage.
- Adeline: Offers the same sweet, old-fashioned charm.
- Lucille: A French classic that shares the “Lil/Luc” sound but is much rarer.
- Sylvia: A nature-adjacent name (meaning “of the forest”) that feels ready for a comeback.
Middle Names for Lillian
Because Lillian is a three-syllable name with a soft ending, it pairs beautifully with a variety of middle names.
Classic & Royal
These pairings lean into the timeless elegance of the name.
- Lillian Victoria
- Lillian Catherine
- Lillian Elizabeth
- Lillian Grace
- Lillian Margaret
- Lillian Alexandra
Nature & Whimsical
To emphasize the floral meaning without being redundant, try these earthy options.
- Lillian Sage
- Lillian Pearl
- Lillian Skye
- Lillian June
- Lillian Faye
- Lillian Amber
Short & Sweet
A one-syllable middle name creates a bouncy, rhythmic flow.
- Lillian Mae
- Lillian Rose
- Lillian Kate
- Lillian Claire
- Lillian Jane
- Lillian Hope
Sibling Names for Lillian
Building a sib-set around Lillian is easy because it fits so many styles.
For a Brother
You want a name that is traditional, masculine, and stands the test of time.
- Theodore: Matches the vintage “Teddy” bear vibe perfectly.
- Arthur: A strong, royal name that sounds distinguished next to Lillian.
- William: Shares the soft “ill” sound and classic status.
- Henry: The ultimate gentleman’s name to pair with a lady’s name like Lillian.
- Benjamin: Soft, biblical, and enduring.
- Oliver: A popular, nature-adjacent classic.
For a Sister
Look for names that are feminine and have history, likely originating from the turn of the 20th century.
- Clara: Sweet, short, and bursting with vintage charm.
- Charlotte: A royal favorite that matches Lillian in popularity and grace.
- Eleanor: Serious, smart, and sophisticated.
- Audrey: Old Hollywood glamour that complements the elegance of Lillian.
- Alice: A storybook name that is simple and sweet.
- Sophia: Greek wisdom to match Lillian’s Latin beauty.
Famous People Named Lillian
It is always comforting to know that your daughter can look up to role models who share her name. Here are some notable figures:
- Lillian Gish: The “First Lady of American Cinema,” she was a pioneering actress and director whose career spanned 75 years.
- Lillian Disney: The wife of Walt Disney and the woman credited with naming Mickey Mouse (Walt originally wanted to call him Mortimer).
- Lillian Hellman: A fierce and celebrated American playwright known for The Children’s Hour.
- Lillian Vernon: A famous American businesswoman and philanthropist who founded the Lillian Vernon Corporation.
- Lillian Bassman: A renowned fashion photographer and art director.
Lillian in Pop Culture
The name has made significant appearances in fiction, often representing characters who are loyal or complex.
- Lillian “Lily” Potter: The brave and loving mother of Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling’s series.
- Lillian van der Woodsen: The socialite mother of Serena in the Gossip Girl book series and TV show.
- Lillian Kaushtupper: The eccentric and hilarious landlady in the hit comedy Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
- Lillian Rearden: A character in Ayn Rand’s novel Atlas Shrugged.
FAQs About the Name Lillian
Is Lillian a Biblical Name?
Lillian does not appear directly in the Bible. However, it is closely linked to the flower “lily,” which is mentioned frequently in scripture, particularly in the Song of Solomon and the New Testament (“Consider the lilies of the field”). It is also related to the name Susanna, which means “lily” in Hebrew.
Is Lillian an “Old Lady” Name?
Lillian is often categorized as a “grandma name,” but in the most fashionable way possible. It falls into the “grandmillennial” trend, where vintage names from the 1920s are being revived by modern parents. It is considered chic and timeless rather than dusty or dated.
What Is the Best Spelling for Lillian?
In the United States, “Lillian” (with two Ls in the middle) is the standard and most popular spelling. The spelling “Lilian” (one L) is more common in Europe and French-speaking regions. Stick to the double-L spelling if you want to avoid your child having to correct people frequently.
What Colors Are Associated with Lillian?
Because of the lily flower connection, the name Lillian is most strongly associated with the color white, representing purity and light. It is also often linked to soft pastels, particularly pale lavender or spring green.
What Zodiac Sign Fits the Name Lillian?
While a baby can be born under any sign, the vibe of Lillian fits well with Taurus (ruled by Venus, loving luxury and flowers) or Virgo (associated with the harvest and purity). It also suits Cancer, a sign deeply connected to home and family roots.
What Are Lilies?
Lilies are flowering plants typically found in the Northern Hemisphere. You can identify these perennial plants by their leafy stems, narrow leaves, scaly bulbs, and flowers. Their flowers form a trumpet-like shape; they are narrow near the stem and wider at the ends of the petals.
Around 1000 BCE, people in Asia Minor grew lilies to use as medicine. Lilies have also been grown for food and as decorations. The Madonna lily is famous as a symbol of purity that often accompanies the Virgin Mary in artwork (2).
Who Is Saint Lillian?
Saint Lillian of Cordoba lived during the ninth century in Spain. She was a laywoman who married Saint Felix of Cordoba.
At the time, the Moors controlled the couple’s homeland. Because Moorish people were Muslim, Saint Lillian was forced to hide her Christain faith. However, she died in the Persecution of the Caliph Abderraham II as a martyr.
Catholics celebrate Saint Lillian on her Feast Day, July 27.
Where Is Lillian?
Lillian is a part of Baldwin County in Alabama. It is an unincorporated area, which means that the people are not subject to the laws of the local municipal corporation.
The King of Spain sent colonists to Alabama. While the land surrounding Lillian was designed as a resort location, more practical establishments were placed in Lillian. For example, a school, hotel, and post office were established there.
Lillian, Alabama, was named after Lillian Kee, the daughter of a postmaster (3).
Who Was Lillian Evelyn Gilbreth?
Lillian Evelyn Gilbreth lived in the United States from 1878 to 1972. Despite the obstacles faced by women at the time, Lillian graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in literature.
She dedicated years to combining social sciences and industrial management. Her husband, Frank Gilbreth, fueled her passion for efficiency at work. Their unique viewpoint was that tending to the worker would benefit production more than focusing solely on equipment.
Later, Lillian became president of a consulting firm and taught at colleges and universities (4).
