Lillan

“lily” — Symbolizes purity and beauty

Sweden origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1977US 2023

223Births / yr

→Stable

104All-time births

📅 Since 191300

How to pronounce Lillan

LILL·AN

/ˈlɪll.ˈæn/ · stress on LILL · 2 syllables

“lily”

Symbolizes purity and beauty · Sweden origin

What does Lillan mean and where does it come from?

Lillan is a Scandinavian name, most commonly found in Sweden and Denmark. It is derived from 'lilja', meaning 'lily', which symbolizes purity and beauty. The name reflects Scandinavian floral naming traditions, and has gained popularity as a diminutive or affectionate form of related names, such as

Cultural significance

Lillan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Sweden-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lily.

Peak popularity

Reached #3161 in 1913 — currently #1977 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Lillan?

Lillan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Lillan Grace

How popular is Lillan right now?

Holding steady — currently #1977 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1977 · Top 1.5%

1915

1920

1925

1930

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1977	223	▲ up 5 · +10% births
2022	#1982	203	▲ up 5 · +17% births
2021	#1987	173	▲ up 14569 · +3360% births
2015	#16556	5	▼ down 12270 · -17% births
1930	#4286	6	▲ up 954 · +20% births
1925	#5240	5	▲ up 37
1920	#5277	5	▼ down 1212 · -17% births
1915	#4065	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Lillan

Best Year2023Rank #1977

Peak Count223

Average Rank#5171

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 20238 years

The story of Lillan

Lillan entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 104 total births recorded, Lillan remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4065 in 1915 to #1977 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Lillan in 1913:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

Lillan by decade

Lillan peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	32
1920s ★	35
1930s	11
2000s	21
2010s	5

💎Lillan has only 104 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Lillan?

Common

LilLiIllan

What names sound and feel like Lillan?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lillan also consider these

Irish · young generation

Millan

Spain · from the town

Common questions about the name Lillan

What does the name Lillan mean?

Lillan means "lily" — a name rooted in Sweden tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Lillan?

Lillan is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Lillan?

Lillan originates from Sweden tradition. Sweden names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Lillan?

Lillan is a two-syllable name pronounced L IH1 L L AE1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Lillan a common or rare name?

Lillan is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.