Girl name · Latin
Lillian
“lily flower”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Lillian.
Explore Lillian further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Lillian — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Lillian is probably an elaboration of Lily, from Latin lilium — though it may equally have begun as a diminutive of Elizabeth, and the two derivations have been tangled since the medieval period. The flower reading is the one everybody uses now.
The lily carried purity symbolism through Christian art for a thousand years, which is most of why the name has never gone out of use. It was a US top-20 name around 1900, dipped mid-century, and is back at number 57.
Lily is the short form and a top-40 name in its own right. Three syllables want one (Lillian Wren, Lillian Pearl). On our vibe map it is Vintage Elegant with Heirloom depth.
More Latin names
Lillian sits in our Latin set — these share its roots.
All Latin names →Lillian — common questions
Is Lillian a boy or girl name?
Lillian is traditionally a girl name of Latin origin.
What does the name Lillian mean?
Lillian means “lily flower” of Latin origin. Lillian is probably an elaboration of Lily, from Latin lilium — though it may equally have begun as a diminutive of Elizabeth, and the two derivations have been tangled since the medieval period. The flower reading is the one everybody uses now.
Where does the name Lillian come from?
Lillian is Latin in origin. The lily carried purity symbolism through Christian art for a thousand years, which is most of why the name has never gone out of use. It was a US top-20 name around 1900, dipped mid-century, and is back at number 57.
What are common nicknames for Lillian?
Lily, Lil, and Lian — the short-forms parents most often use for Lillian.
How popular is Lillian?
Lillian did not make the top 1,000 girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Lillian you might want for the nursery.