Lillian is a charming and elegant feminine name of English origin. It is derived from the Latin word "lilium," which means "lily." The lily flower is often associated with beauty, purity, and grace, making Lillian an apt choice for parents who wish to bestow these qualities upon their daughter.
The name Lillian has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. During this time, it was used as a given name in its own right, rather than simply as a variant of the masculine name Lionel. The name gained popularity among the aristocracy and was often used by royal families across Europe.
One notable historical figure named Lillian is Lillian Gish, an American actress who rose to fame during the silent film era. Born into poverty, she overcame adversity to become one of the most celebrated actresses of her time. Her work continues to inspire aspiring actors today and serves as a testament to the power and grace that can be embodied by those named Lillian.
In addition to its historical significance, the name Lillian has also been popularized in modern culture through various forms of media. For example, Lillian may refer to characters in books such as "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald or television shows like "Breaking Bad." Despite these appearances, however, Lillian remains a classic choice that is not overly trendy or common.
Overall, the name Lillian offers a unique blend of elegance and charm that has stood the test of time. With its origins in Latin and history rooted deep within European royalty, this name carries with it a sense of grace and sophistication that makes it an excellent choice for parents looking to give their daughter a memorable and meaningful name.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Lillian has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half.
From 1882 to 1927, the number of births with the name Lillian fluctuated between six and forty-five. The peak years during this period were 1912 and 1923-1927, with thirty or more babies named Lillian born each year.
However, from 1928 onwards, there was a significant decline in the popularity of the name Lillian. Between 1928 and 1965, the number of births with this name ranged between five and forty-six, with most years falling between ten and twenty births.
After 1965, the name Lillian became even less common. From 1966 to 2020, there were fewer than fifteen births with the name Lillian in all but two years (2004 and 2016). The highest number of births during this period was twenty-four in 2004.
Overall, since 1882, a total of 1,429 babies have been named Lillian in the United States. While it once enjoyed moderate popularity, the name has become increasingly uncommon in recent decades.