
Origin, Meaning, And History Of Lilian
The name Lilian is of Latin origin and has several meanings, but the most common one is “lily,” which is a symbol of purity, innocence, and beauty. In some cultures, the name is also associated with faith and devotion. Overall, the name Lilian is a feminine name that is often chosen for its elegance and timeless appeal. The name Lilian is closely related to the French name Liliane.
The name Lilian has been in use since the 13th century, and it was particularly popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The name gained popularity in England and America during this time, where it was often given to baby girls as a first or middle name. Lilian’s popularity during that time is attributed to a trend of giving girls flower-inspired names. Parents were drawn to names that represented beauty, delicacy, and elegance, and the name Lilian fit the bill perfectly.
In the United States, the name Lilian was among the top 100 most popular girls’ names in the early 1900s, and it remained a popular name throughout the 20th century. The name Lilian has several variations, including Lillian, Liliane, Liliana, Lilliana, and Lily. These variations are often used interchangeably, and they all carry similar meanings and connotations.
One famous person who popularized the name Lilian was the American actress Lillian Gish, who starred in many silent films during the early 20th century. Gish was known for her ethereal beauty and delicate features, and her popularity helped etch her name in the minds of moviegoers.
The name Lilian has been used in fiction, including books and movies. Lilian Reardan is a character in the 1957 novel “Atlas Shrugged,” written by Ayn Rand, one of the most powerful writers in history. Lilian “Lilly” Truscott is a character in the 2009 American musical comedy-drama movie “Hannah Montana: The Movie.”
How To Pronounce Lilian?
Famous People With The Name Lilian
- Lillian HellmanAmerican playwright and memoirist, known for her success on Broadway
- Lillian AllenCanadian dub poet and reggae musician, won the Juno Award for Best Reggae/Calypso Album for “Revolutionary Tea Party”
- Lilian HarveyAnglo-German actress and singer, known for her role in the 1931 movie “Der Kongreß tanzt (The Congress Dances)”
- Lillian Greene-ChamberlainAmerican sprinter, first national champion in the 440-yard run indoors
- Lilian CalmejaneSpanish cyclist, known for winning stages at Tour de France in 2017
Lilian On The Popularity Chart
Lilian has been popular for centuries and is still among the top names for girls. The US Social Security Administration data shows its performance over the years.
Popularity Over Time
The name Lilian has seen a steady rise in popularity since the early 1980s, reaching its peak in 2007, when 784 babies per million were given the name. Check out the graph below for a better idea.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
The ranking of the name Lilian has seen a consistent improvement in its performance over the past four decades, starting with the 1980s. In 2021, it achieved a rank of 639.
Source: Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar Sound As Lilian
In case you are looking for more names that sound similar to Lilian, we have selected a few for you to choose from.
Names With Similar Meaning As Lilian
Want to choose a name for your baby girl that is inspired by lilies and flowers? Here are a few options for you to explore and make a choice.
Name Numerology For Lilian


