Lillian
How to say it: LIL-ee-un · /ˈlɪliən/
Probably a diminutive of Elizabeth, also taken as an elaborated form of Lily from Latin 'lilium', the lily flower, a symbol of purity. source 1
Lillian was the 67th most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 3,966 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1900s, its births are down about 41% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #96 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #67 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 3,966 |
| Share of births | 1 in 794 |
| Peak decade | 1900s |
| Change over 10 years | −41% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #96 |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Once a favorite in the 1900s, Lillian now stands far from that early high. Further easing looks likely.
What goes with it
Gentle lilting sounds give Lillian a soft and natural floral character. Violet and Clara share its style.
Middle names that flow with Lillian →
Parents who love Lillian also love
Nicknames
- Lily
- Lil
- Lilli
- Lillie
Honouring a Lillian in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Lillian is about 1 in 34.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French.
England and Wales: #363. Ireland: #432.
Famous people named Lillian
- Lillian Gish (1893–1993)American actor, actress, motion picture producers and director, screenwriter
- Lillian Hellman (1905–1984)American dramatist and screenwriter
- Lillian Moller Gilbreth (1878–1972)American psychologist and industrial engineer
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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