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Lily Girl

Popularity: #24 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationLIL-ee / ˈlɪli

Latin; 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)

StateBirthsShare
CA 709
12%
TX 605
10%
FL 367
6%
NY 336
6%
PA 251
4%
NC 203
3%
GA 200
3%
IL 183
3%
OH 180
3%
NJ 178
3%
TN 172
3%
VA 157
3%
MA 147
2%
AZ 142
2%
WA 137
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188041
188146
188263
188362
188460
188588
188675
188759
1888102
188984
189096
189173
189298
189383
1894108
1895101
1896100
1897113
189892
1899115
1900126
190189
190299
190395
1904105
1905134
190682
1907104
1908102
1909109
1910154
1911130
1912245
1913212
1914252
1915343
1916373
1917330
1918388
1919368
1920386
1921407
1922418
1923418
1924409
1925362
1926344
1927366
1928345
1929302
1930305
1931268
1932245
1933242
1934216
1935210
1936202
1937178
1938195
1939168
1940186
1941166
1942173
1943160
1944154
1945142
1946122
1947138
1948139
1949131
1950135
1951135
1952133
1953130
1954144
1955165
1956159
1957149
1958149
1959127
1960127
1961128
1962120
1963123
1964133
196594
1966112
196796
196899
1969116
1970125
1971122
1972139
1973102
1974107
1975122
1976134
1977107
1978111
1979150
1980187
1981223
1982208
1983206
1984224
1985243
1986292
1987309
1988401
1989416
1990396
1991473
1992523
1993557
1994648
1995853
19961,091
19971,355
19981,752
19992,123
20002,733
20013,197
20023,834
20034,434
20045,402
20056,089
20066,768
20077,499
20088,127
20098,101
20107,992
20118,192
20127,969
20137,002
20146,785
20156,679
20166,608
20175,861
20185,752
20195,458
20205,251
20215,629
20226,007
20236,170
20246,093