Lilian

Meaning and origin of Lilian

Lilian is an English and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “possibly from Elizabeth; linked to lily”.

Lilian is the spelling of Lillian more common in Britain. It probably began as a diminutive of Elizabeth, and it has long been associated with the lily, a flower that symbolizes purity in Christian art. The name became fashionable in the late nineteenth century, when floral and romantic names were in vogue. Lilian Baylis, the theater manager who ran London's Old Vic in the early twentieth century, is a notable bearer. After a long quiet spell, Lilian has returned alongside other vintage names. It sounds soft and graceful, and Lily and Lil are natural nicknames. Parents in North America should expect the double-l Lillian to be the assumed spelling.

Other spellings with the same sound: Lillian, Lilyan.

Gender, sound and spelling

In the US it is used almost only for girls.

Lilian is usually pronounced LIH-lee-uhn, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with L and ends in “-an”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Lillian and Lilyan.