What does Lilo mean and where does it come from?
Lilo is a Hawaiian name meaning 'generous' or 'lost'. It gained widespread popularity outside of Hawaii through Disney's 2002 animated film 'Lilo & Stitch', in which the character Lilo is a young girl who befriends an alien. The name is often associated with qualities of kindness and playfulness. Li
Cultural significance
Lilo has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaiian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of generous.
Peak popularity
Reached #3231 in 2025 — currently #3231 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hawaiian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Lilo?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Lilo?
Lilo works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lilo Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Lilo Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Lilo Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Lilo Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Lilo Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
Lilo Brynn
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Lilo right now?
Rising fast — up 635 spots — currently #3231 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3231 | 49 | ▲ up 635 · +26% births |
| 2024 | #3866 | 39 | ▼ down 314 · -11% births |
| 2023 | #3552 | 44 | ▲ up 18 |
| 2022 | #3570 | 44 | ▲ up 78 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #3648 | 42 | ▲ up 73 · +8% births |
| 2020 | #3721 | 39 | ▲ up 3299 · +129% births |
| 2015 | #7020 | 17 | ▲ up 6651 · +143% births |
| 2010 | #13671 | 7 | ▲ up 1129 · +17% births |
| 2005 | #14800 | 6 | ▼ down 8143 · +20% births |
| 1955 | #6657 | 5 | — |
The story of Lilo
Lilo entered American naming records in 1955 and has been in use for over 69 years. With 243 total births recorded, Lilo remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6657 in 1955 to #3552 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Lilo in 2025:
Lilo by decade
Lilo peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 10 | |
| 2000s | 27 | |
| 2010s ★ | 167 | |
| 2020s | 132 | |
💎Lilo has only 243 total recorded births since 1955 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Lilo?
What names sound and feel like Lilo?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lilo also consider these
How is Lilo written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Lilo
What does the name Lilo mean?
Lilo means "Generous" — a name rooted in Hawaiian 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 Lilo?
Lilo is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Lilo have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Lilo?
Lilo originates from Hawaiian tradition. Hawaiian 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 Lilo?
Lilo is a two-syllable name pronounced LEE-LOH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Lilo trending right now?
Lilo is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.