Girl · 546th of 35,406
Lilian
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
19,925
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2007
Peak Popularity Year
786
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Lilian stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Lilian has its roots in Latin, originating from the word 'lilium', which means 'lily'. It has evolved through various languages, maintaining its floral connotation. The name is associated with beauty and purity, and it gained popularity in the late 19th century. It has no biblical relevance. Notable individuals bearing the name include Lilian Thuram and Lilian Gish.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈlɪliən/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
Lilian is derived from the Latin word 'lilium', meaning 'lily'. The name has been used in various forms across different cultures and languages.
Meaning
lily
Language Evolution
Lilium (Latin), Liliana (Italian, Spanish), Lilian (English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the late 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a feminine form of the name Lily.
Variants & Derivatives
Lily, Liliana, Lilly, Lilian
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Lilian is perceived as a classic and elegant name, often associated with beauty and purity, much like the flower it represents.
Famous People
Lilian Thuram - French former footballer, Lilian Gish - American actress and director, Lilian Garcia - American ring announcer and former professional wrestler
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 786 peak births in 2007
Geographic Spread
Popular across 47 US states, with strongest presence in Arizona
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 28 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 7 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 841st of 9107 | 1,294 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2024th of 9204 | 315 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2489th of 12526 | 389 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1986th of 19264 | 703 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1386th of 27321 | 1,738 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 546th of 35406 | 8,526 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 575th of 30306 | 6,437 |