What does Lilly mean and where does it come from?
Lilly is often considered a variant of the name Lily, which has roots in the Latin word 'lilia' and symbolizes purity and innocence. The name became popular in the 19th century alongside the floral trend in naming. Lilly has various spelling forms, such as 'Lily' and 'Lili'. The name is closely asso
Cultural significance
Lilly has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lily flower.
Peak popularity
Reached #103 in 2011 — currently #252 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Lilly?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Lilly?
Lilly works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lilly Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Lilly Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Lilly Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Lilly Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Lilly Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
Lilly Brynn
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Lilly right now?
Rising — up 9 spots — currently #252 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #252 | 1,218 | ▲ up 9 |
| 2024 | #261 | 1,221 | ▼ down 4 · +2% births |
| 2023 | #257 | 1,200 | ▼ down 25 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #232 | 1,310 | ▼ down 13 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #219 | 1,353 | ▲ up 12 · +6% births |
| 2020 | #231 | 1,271 | ▼ down 92 · -45% births |
| 2015 | #139 | 2,305 | ▼ down 33 · -20% births |
| 2010 | #106 | 2,886 | ▲ up 74 · +51% births |
| 2005 | #180 | 1,907 | ▲ up 248 · +189% births |
| 2000 | #428 | 659 | ▲ up 480 · +217% births |
| 1995 | #908 | 208 | ▲ up 532 · +91% births |
| 1990 | #1440 | 109 | ▲ up 163 · +47% births |
| 1985 | #1603 | 74 | ▲ up 230 · +25% births |
| 1980 | #1833 | 59 | ▼ down 211 · -2% births |
| 1975 | #1622 | 60 | — |
The story of Lilly
Lilly has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 60,265 babies have received this name. Lilly is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Lilly in 2011:
Lilly by decade
Lilly peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 781 | |
| 1890s | 1,107 | |
| 1900s | 1,314 | |
| 1910s | 2,370 | |
| 1920s | 2,963 | |
| 1930s | 2,035 | |
| 1940s | 1,596 | |
| 1950s | 1,416 | |
| 1960s | 1,132 | |
| 1970s | 631 | |
| 1980s | 713 | |
| 1990s | 2,269 | |
| 2000s | 17,280 | |
| 2010s ★ | 23,387 | |
| 2020s | 3,710 | |
What are good nicknames for Lilly?
What names sound and feel like Lilly?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lilly also consider these
How is Lilly written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Lilly?
Common questions about the name Lilly
What does the name Lilly mean?
Lilly means "lily flower" — a name rooted in English 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 Lilly?
Lilly is currently ranked #257 in the United States 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 Lilly?
Lilly originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Lilly more of a girl or boy name?
Lilly is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.
What are good nicknames for Lilly?
Lilly naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.