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Lillian Girl

Popularity: #54 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationLIL-ee-uhn / ˈlɪl.i.ən

Latin; English

Meaning

Latin: lily; English: pure, innocent

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Lillian is derived from the Latin word "lilium," meaning "lily," a flower that has been associated with purity and beauty throughout history. The name evolved through various forms, including the Old French "Lilie" and the Medieval Latin "Lilianus," before entering the English language in the 19th century. The transition into English was facilitated by the popularity of floral names and the cultural significance of the lily in Christian symbolism, where it represents the Virgin Mary and is often depicted in religious art.

Historically, the name Lillian gained prominence in the late 19th century, coinciding with the Victorian era's fascination with floral motifs and nature-inspired names. Notable figures such as Lillian Russell, a famous American actress and singer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributed to the name's recognition. Additionally, the name appears in literary works and has been used in various cultural contexts, reinforcing its association with grace and femininity.

Culturally, the lily has been a symbol of purity and renewal across various traditions, which has further solidified the name Lillian's appeal. In literature and art, the lily often represents innocence and virtue, qualities that have historically resonated with the name's bearers. The diminutive form "Lily" has also emerged as a popular variant, reflecting the name's floral roots and enhancing its charm. Overall, Lillian embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic, historical, and cultural significance, rooted in its floral origins and the enduring associations of the lily.

Trend Summary

Lillian has experienced fluctuating popularity in the U.S., peaking in the early 20th century and seeing a resurgence in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Lilian
  • Liliane
  • Lilliana

International Variants

  • Lilián (Spanish)
  • Lili (French)
  • Lilian (Portuguese)
  • Lilliane (French)

Famous people named Lillian

Lillian Gish is an actress best known for The Birth of a Nation, Intolerance, and Way Down East.

Lillian Hellman is a playwright best known for The Little Foxes, Toys in the Attic, and Watch on the Rhine.

Lillian Russell is a singer and actress best known for her performances in the Ziegfeld Follies and her popular songs in the early 20th century.

Lillian Vernon is a businesswoman best known for founding Lillian Vernon Corporation, a mail-order catalog company.

Lillian Carter is a nurse and humanitarian best known for her work in health care and her role as the mother of Jimmy Carter.

Fictional characters named Lillian

Lillian is a fictional character from the animated film The Princess and the Frog. She is a supporting character who is a friend to Tiana and helps her navigate her journey.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Lillian was first seen in the United States in 1880. Lillian has ranked as high as #36 nationally, which occurred in 1920, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Lillian has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Lillian (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 301
8%
CA 247
7%
OH 212
6%
FL 179
5%
PA 172
5%
NY 171
5%
NC 170
5%
GA 139
4%
IL 133
4%
TN 128
3%
VA 124
3%
MO 113
3%
MA 107
3%
IN 103
3%
KY 91
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880672
1881723
1882830
1883907
18841,109
18851,143
18861,282
18871,308
18881,656
18891,640
18901,862
18911,812
18922,154
18932,193
18942,441
18952,495
18962,702
18972,683
18983,061
18992,703
19003,414
19012,681
19023,063
19032,972
19043,139
19053,185
19063,293
19073,542
19083,634
19093,596
19104,127
19114,367
19125,568
19136,015
19147,354
19159,546
19169,592
19179,843
19189,986
19199,516
192010,049
19219,770
19229,430
19239,327
19249,100
19258,352
19267,661
19277,182
19286,577
19295,711
19305,448
19314,807
19324,352
19333,998
19343,973
19353,423
19363,118
19372,899
19382,824
19392,551
19402,525
19412,462
19422,488
19432,392
19442,120
19452,017
19462,160
19472,090
19482,116
19491,944
19501,884
19511,826
19521,733
19531,657
19541,627
19551,658
19561,630
19571,604
19581,421
19591,468
19601,433
19611,311
19621,308
19631,164
19641,064
19651,017
1966881
1967843
1968813
1969773
1970783
1971675
1972620
1973564
1974482
1975455
1976479
1977470
1978399
1979436
1980510
1981517
1982475
1983453
1984468
1985540
1986554
1987531
1988646
1989695
1990722
1991770
1992749
1993736
1994882
1995942
19961,127
19971,393
19981,718
19992,190
20002,600
20012,951
20023,397
20034,030
20044,734
20055,214
20066,236
20076,552
20086,817
20096,861
20106,957
20116,932
20127,171
20137,083
20146,924
20156,625
20166,385
20176,179
20185,566
20195,126
20204,511
20214,327
20224,256
20233,937
20243,882