What does Lillie mean and where does it come from?
Lillie is a diminutive form of Lillian and shares the same meaning, relating to the lily flower, which symbolizes purity and beauty. The name is particularly popular in the United States, often used as a first name or a surname. Variations of the name, including 'Lily,' have remained prevalent in mo
Cultural significance
Lillie has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lily.
Peak popularity
Reached #33 in 1881 — currently #699 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Lillie?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Lillie?
Lillie works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lillie Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lillie Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lillie Mae
Sweet · timeless
Lillie Claire
French influence · crisp
Lillie Jane
Literary · strong
Lillie Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lillie right now?
Rising fast — up 63 spots — currently #699 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #699 | 412 | ▲ up 63 · +9% births |
| 2022 | #762 | 377 | ▲ up 17 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #779 | 364 | ▼ down 55 · -5% births |
| 2020 | #724 | 382 | ▼ down 148 · -28% births |
| 2015 | #576 | 530 | ▼ down 126 · -22% births |
| 2010 | #450 | 682 | ▲ up 53 · +14% births |
| 2005 | #503 | 598 | ▲ up 253 · +99% births |
| 2000 | #756 | 301 | ▲ up 490 · +120% births |
| 1995 | #1246 | 137 | ▲ up 118 · +18% births |
| 1990 | #1364 | 116 | ▲ up 74 · +33% births |
| 1985 | #1438 | 87 | ▼ down 297 · -27% births |
| 1980 | #1141 | 119 | ▼ down 2 · +17% births |
| 1975 | #1139 | 102 | ▼ down 407 · -50% births |
| 1970 | #732 | 202 | ▼ down 245 · -46% births |
| 1965 | #487 | 377 | — |
The story of Lillie
Lillie has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #33 in 1881. More than 157,765 babies have been named Lillie since 1880. Once ranked #34 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #699 in 2023. Lillie is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Lillie in 1881:
Lillie by decade
Lillie peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 9,507 | |
| 1890s | 14,168 | |
| 1900s | 15,462 | |
| 1910s | 24,771 | |
| 1920s ★ | 29,587 | |
| 1930s | 20,135 | |
| 1940s | 15,456 | |
| 1950s | 9,656 | |
| 1960s | 3,890 | |
| 1970s | 1,404 | |
| 1980s | 1,004 | |
| 1990s | 1,613 | |
| 2000s | 5,242 | |
| 2010s | 5,488 | |
| 2020s | 382 | |
What are good nicknames for Lillie?
What names sound and feel like Lillie?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lillie also consider these
How is Lillie written in other languages?
Gender variants of Lillie
Common questions about the name Lillie
What does the name Lillie mean?
Lillie means "lily" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Lillie?
Lillie is currently ranked #699 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Lillie?
Lillie originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom 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 Lillie?
Lillie is a two-syllable name pronounced L IH1 L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Lillie more of a girl or boy name?
Lillie is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.