Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Lillian
GirlEnglish, Hebrew· “possibly from Elizabeth; linked to lily”
- Meaning
- possibly from Elizabeth; linked to lily
- Origin
- English, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- LIH-lee-uhn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #57
- US babies 2025
- 3,966
- Best rank
- #10 (1898)
- Peak year
- 1920
Meaning and origin of Lillian
Lillian is an English and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “possibly from Elizabeth; linked to lily”.
Lillian is thought to have begun as a diminutive of Elizabeth, perhaps by way of Lil and Lilian, and it has long been associated with the lily flower, a symbol of purity. The name became fashionable in the late nineteenth century, when floral names were in vogue, and silent film star Lillian Gish carried it to fame in early Hollywood. After a long quiet period, Lillian returned as parents rediscovered vintage names. It sounds soft, graceful and old-fashioned in the best sense. Lily and Lil are natural nicknames, and Lilian is the more common British spelling.
Other spellings with the same sound: Lilian, Lilyan.
Popularity over time
Lillian has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #10 in 1898, and the most babies received it in 1920, when 10,049 were named Lillian. In 2025, 3,966 babies were named Lillian, and it ranked #57 nationally. That is 40% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #18 in 1920, #156 in 1950, #425 in 1980, #129 in 2000, #22 in 2010, and #57 in 2025. Of the 475,028 US girls named Lillian since records began, 18% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 75,914 babies. Since 2010, 89,862 more have been named Lillian.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Irene, Louise, Marjorie, Gladys, and Eleanor.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lillian ranked highest in Maine, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | #15 | 32 |
| South Carolina | #19 | 95 |
| West Virginia | #21 | 39 |
| North Dakota | #24 | 21 |
| Vermont | #25 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Lillian is usually pronounced LIH-lee-uhn, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with L and ends in “-an”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Lilian and Lilyan.
Middle names for Lillian
A few middle names that flow with Lillian: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lillian
Similar names
Marian Girl
MAIR-ee-uhn
“uncertain; medieval form of Mary” · English
#1,103
Madelyn Girl
MAD-uh-lihn
“of Magdala” · English
#71
Vivian Girl
VIH-vee-uhn
“alive” · Latin
#72
Jillian Girl
JIH-lee-uhn
“youthful; form of Juliana” · English
#1,266
Susan Girl
SOO-zuhn
“lily” · English
#1,091
Joan Unisex
JOHN
“God is gracious” · English
#987
Maryann Girl
mair-ee-AN
“blend of Mary and Ann” · English
#1,773
Evelyn Girl
EH-vuh-luhn
“uncertain; from Norman Aveline” · English
#8
Eleanor Girl
EL-uh-nor
“uncertain; from Old French Alienor” · French
#12
Rowan Unisex
ROH-uhn
“little red one; rowan tree” · Irish
#59
Josephine Girl
JOH-suh-feen
“he will add” · French
#53
Jessica Girl
JEH-sih-kuh
“coined by Shakespeare; possibly from Iscah” · English
#665
Lists that include Lillian
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lillian mean?
Lillian is an English and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “possibly from Elizabeth; linked to lily”.
What is the origin of the name Lillian?
Lillian has English, Hebrew, and Latin roots. Lillian is thought to have begun as a diminutive of Elizabeth, perhaps by way of Lil and Lilian, and it has long been associated with the lily flower, a symbol of purity.
Is Lillian a popular name?
Yes. Lillian ranked #57 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Lillian a boy or girl name?
Lillian is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Lillian?
Lillian is usually pronounced LIH-lee-uhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings