All about the name

Lillian

Male

« Lillian is an elegant English feminine name derived from the Latin word "lilium," meaning lily, symbolizing beauty, purity, and grace. It has a rich historical background dating back to the Middle Ages, having been used as a given name by royalty across Europe. Notable bearer includes Lillian Gish, a celebrated American actress of the silent film era known for her power and grace. Despite its appearances in modern media like "The Great Gatsby" and "Breaking Bad," Lillian remains a classic choice that is not overly trendy or common. »

#21744 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

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.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Lillian since 1880

Total births
1,429
Total since 1880
Peak year
1928
46 births
in 2020
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-81%
vs previous 5 years