Girl · 34th of 30,306
Lillian
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
472,453
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1920
Peak Popularity Year
10,075
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Lillian stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Lillian originates from the Latin word 'lilium,' meaning 'lily,' representing purity and beauty. The name evolved through various forms such as Lillianus and Lilliana. It gained popularity in the late 19th century during the Victorian era and is currently seen as a classic and elegant name. Lillian has no specific biblical relevance but is associated with positive traits. Notable figures include Lillian Gish and Lillian Hellman.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈlɪl.jən/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Lillian is derived from the Latin word 'lilium,' which means 'lily,' a flower symbolizing purity and beauty.
Meaning
pure, beauty
Language Evolution
Lillianus (Latin), Lilliana (Italian), Lily (English)
Historical Usage
Lillian gained popularity in the late 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as it became fashionable during the Victorian era.
Variants & Derivatives
Lily, Lillie, Liliana, Lilith
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Lillian is perceived as a classic and elegant name, often associated with grace and charm.
Famous People
Lillian Gish, an American actress, Lillian Hellman, an American playwright, Lillian Vernon, an American businesswoman and entrepreneur
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Consistently Rising
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 10,075 peak births in 1920
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Rhode Island
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 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 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1149th of 7545 | 603 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1493rd of 6773 | 393 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3648th of 7552 | 91 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5973rd of 10718 | 43 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 11418th of 16616 | 22 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 9621st of 24088 | 92 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 14258th of 23106 | 32 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 17th of 9107 | 175,890 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 69th of 9204 | 63,685 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 200th of 12526 | 31,098 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 371st of 19264 | 10,200 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 374th of 27321 | 10,807 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 55th of 35406 | 75,753 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 34th of 30306 | 64,801 |