What does Lily mean and where does it come from?
The name Lily has roots in both English and Latin. It is derived from the flower, which symbolizes purity and renewal. The name has been used since the Middle Ages in England and has been particularly popular among Christians, due to its association with the Virgin Mary, often referred to as 'the Li
Cultural significance
Lily has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure; innocent.
Peak popularity
Reached #15 in 2011 — currently #20 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Lily?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Lily?
Lily works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lily Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lily Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lily Claire
French influence · crisp
Lily Jane
Literary · strong
Lily Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lily right now?
Rising — up 10 spots — currently #20 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #20 | 6,170 | ▲ up 10 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #30 | 6,007 | ▲ up 1 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #31 | 5,629 | ▲ up 4 · +8% births |
| 2020 | #35 | 5,195 | ▼ down 10 · -22% births |
| 2015 | #25 | 6,661 | ▼ down 8 · -17% births |
| 2010 | #17 | 7,986 | ▲ up 22 · +31% births |
| 2005 | #39 | 6,088 | ▲ up 84 · +123% births |
| 2000 | #123 | 2,733 | ▲ up 198 · +221% births |
| 1995 | #321 | 852 | ▲ up 263 · +115% births |
| 1990 | #584 | 396 | ▲ up 130 · +64% births |
| 1985 | #714 | 241 | ▲ up 120 · +29% births |
| 1980 | #834 | 187 | ▲ up 164 · +53% births |
| 1975 | #998 | 122 | ▼ down 8 · -3% births |
| 1970 | #990 | 126 | ▲ up 91 · +34% births |
| 1965 | #1081 | 94 | — |
The story of Lily
Lily has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #15 in 2011. More than 158,878 babies have been named Lily since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #241 in 1880 to #20 in 2023. Lily is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Lily in 2011:
Lily by decade
Lily peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 680 | |
| 1890s | 979 | |
| 1900s | 1,045 | |
| 1910s | 2,795 | |
| 1920s | 3,763 | |
| 1930s | 2,233 | |
| 1940s | 1,511 | |
| 1950s | 1,425 | |
| 1960s | 1,145 | |
| 1970s | 1,221 | |
| 1980s | 2,709 | |
| 1990s | 9,765 | |
| 2000s | 56,242 | |
| 2010s ★ | 68,165 | |
| 2020s | 5,200 | |
What are good nicknames for Lily?
Famous people named Lily
LT
Lily Tomlin
Emmy and Tony Award-winning American actress and comedian known for 9 to 5 and Grace and Frankie
LJ
Lily James
British actress known for Cinderella, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and Pam & Tommy
LA
Lily Allen
British singer-songwriter known for Smile, Fuck You, and her candid social media presence
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Lily (flower symbolism)
The lily flower represents purity and refined beauty across many cultures, including ancient Egypt and Greece
LP
Lily Potter (fictional)
Harry Potter's mother in J.K. Rowling's series, whose sacrifice is central to the story's magical protection
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Lily?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lily also consider these
How is Lily written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Lily?
Common questions about the name Lily
What does the name Lily mean?
Lily means "pure; innocent" — a name rooted in England 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 Lily?
Lily is currently ranked #20 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Lily?
Lily originates from England tradition. England 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 Lily?
Lily 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 Lily more of a girl or boy name?
Lily is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.