Lily Girl
Origin(s)
PronunciationLIL-ee / ˈlɪliLatin; English
Meaning
Latin: purity; English: flower
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Lily derives from the Latin word "lilium," which means "lily" and refers to the flower known for its beauty and purity. This Latin term traces back to the earlier Greek word "krinon," which also signifies a type of lily. The name entered the English language through Old French, where it was adopted as "lilie" during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, eventually evolving into the modern English "Lily." The flower itself has long been associated with various cultural and religious significances, often symbolizing purity, innocence, and renewal.
Historically, the lily has been a prominent symbol in various cultures and religions. In Christianity, it is frequently associated with the Virgin Mary, representing her purity and motherhood. This connection is particularly evident in the artwork of the Renaissance period, where lilies are often depicted alongside Marian imagery. The name Lily has also been borne by several notable figures throughout history, including Saint Anthony of Padua, who is often depicted with a lily, symbolizing his purity and devotion.
The name gained further resonance through literary works and translations, such as the King James Bible, completed in the early 17th century, which references lilies in the context of divine beauty and care, notably in the Sermon on the Mount. The enduring appeal of the name can also be attributed to its association with nature and beauty, making it a favored choice in various cultures. Additionally, diminutive forms like Lila or Lillie have emerged, reflecting the name's adaptability and affection in familial contexts. Overall, the name Lily encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic roots, historical significance, and cultural symbolism.
Trend Summary
Lily has consistently ranked among the top names for girls in the United States, experiencing a resurgence in popularity since the early 2000s.
Similar Names
Variants
- Lillie
- Lilly
- Lilyan
International Variants
- Líllia (Latin)
- Lilie (German)
- Lilia (Spanish)
- Lili (Hebrew)
- Liliya (Russian)
Famous people named Lily
Lily Collins is an actress and model best known for Emily in Paris, The Blind Side, and Love, Rosie.
Lily Tomlin is an actress and comedian best known for Grace and Frankie, Nashville, and 9 to 5.
Lily James is an actress best known for Cinderella, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and Baby Driver.
Lily Aldridge is a model best known for her work with Victoria's Secret and for being a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model.
Lily Rabe is an actress best known for American Horror Story, The Good Wife, and All Good Things.
Lily Allen is a singer and songwriter best known for her albums Alright, Still, It's Not Me, It's You, and Sheezus.
Lily Pichus is a musician best known for her work in the indie music scene and her contributions to various collaborative projects.
Fictional characters named Lily
Lily Potter is a fictional character from the book series Harry Potter. She is the mother of the protagonist, Harry, and is known for her sacrifice to protect him from Voldemort.
Lily Aldrin is a fictional character from the TV series How I Met Your Mother. She is a passionate artist and a close friend of the main character, Ted Mosby.
Lily Munster is a fictional character from the TV series The Munsters. She is the matriarch of the Munster family, known for her loving nature and vampire heritage.
Lily Evans is a fictional character from the book series Harry Potter. She is a key figure in the backstory, known for her friendship with Severus Snape and her eventual marriage to James Potter.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Lily was first seen in the United States in 1880. Lily has ranked as high as #59 nationally, which occurred in 2011, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Lily has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Lily (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 709 | |
TX | 605 | |
FL | 367 | |
NY | 336 | |
PA | 251 | |
NC | 203 | |
GA | 200 | |
IL | 183 | |
OH | 180 | |
NJ | 178 | |
TN | 172 | |
VA | 157 | |
MA | 147 | |
AZ | 142 | |
WA | 137 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 41 |
1881 | 46 |
1882 | 63 |
1883 | 62 |
1884 | 60 |
1885 | 88 |
1886 | 75 |
1887 | 59 |
1888 | 102 |
1889 | 84 |
1890 | 96 |
1891 | 73 |
1892 | 98 |
1893 | 83 |
1894 | 108 |
1895 | 101 |
1896 | 100 |
1897 | 113 |
1898 | 92 |
1899 | 115 |
1900 | 126 |
1901 | 89 |
1902 | 99 |
1903 | 95 |
1904 | 105 |
1905 | 134 |
1906 | 82 |
1907 | 104 |
1908 | 102 |
1909 | 109 |
1910 | 154 |
1911 | 130 |
1912 | 245 |
1913 | 212 |
1914 | 252 |
1915 | 343 |
1916 | 373 |
1917 | 330 |
1918 | 388 |
1919 | 368 |
1920 | 386 |
1921 | 407 |
1922 | 418 |
1923 | 418 |
1924 | 409 |
1925 | 362 |
1926 | 344 |
1927 | 366 |
1928 | 345 |
1929 | 302 |
1930 | 305 |
1931 | 268 |
1932 | 245 |
1933 | 242 |
1934 | 216 |
1935 | 210 |
1936 | 202 |
1937 | 178 |
1938 | 195 |
1939 | 168 |
1940 | 186 |
1941 | 166 |
1942 | 173 |
1943 | 160 |
1944 | 154 |
1945 | 142 |
1946 | 122 |
1947 | 138 |
1948 | 139 |
1949 | 131 |
1950 | 135 |
1951 | 135 |
1952 | 133 |
1953 | 130 |
1954 | 144 |
1955 | 165 |
1956 | 159 |
1957 | 149 |
1958 | 149 |
1959 | 127 |
1960 | 127 |
1961 | 128 |
1962 | 120 |
1963 | 123 |
1964 | 133 |
1965 | 94 |
1966 | 112 |
1967 | 96 |
1968 | 99 |
1969 | 116 |
1970 | 125 |
1971 | 122 |
1972 | 139 |
1973 | 102 |
1974 | 107 |
1975 | 122 |
1976 | 134 |
1977 | 107 |
1978 | 111 |
1979 | 150 |
1980 | 187 |
1981 | 223 |
1982 | 208 |
1983 | 206 |
1984 | 224 |
1985 | 243 |
1986 | 292 |
1987 | 309 |
1988 | 401 |
1989 | 416 |
1990 | 396 |
1991 | 473 |
1992 | 523 |
1993 | 557 |
1994 | 648 |
1995 | 853 |
1996 | 1,091 |
1997 | 1,355 |
1998 | 1,752 |
1999 | 2,123 |
2000 | 2,733 |
2001 | 3,197 |
2002 | 3,834 |
2003 | 4,434 |
2004 | 5,402 |
2005 | 6,089 |
2006 | 6,768 |
2007 | 7,499 |
2008 | 8,127 |
2009 | 8,101 |
2010 | 7,992 |
2011 | 8,192 |
2012 | 7,969 |
2013 | 7,002 |
2014 | 6,785 |
2015 | 6,679 |
2016 | 6,608 |
2017 | 5,861 |
2018 | 5,752 |
2019 | 5,458 |
2020 | 5,251 |
2021 | 5,629 |
2022 | 6,007 |
2023 | 6,170 |
2024 | 6,093 |