Girl · 25th of 30,306
Lily
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
183,046
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2011
Peak Popularity Year
8,199
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Lily 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
The name Lily has its origins in Latin, meaning 'pure' or 'innocent,' and has evolved through several historical forms. It is commonly linked with the flower symbolizing beauty and virtue. There is no specific biblical relevance associated with the name. It gained popularity in the 19th century and is currently regarded as a classic and elegant choice for girls, with several notable personalities bearing the name.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈlɪli/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name 'Lily' is derived from the Latin word 'lilium,' which refers to the flower of the same name. The flower has been associated with purity and innocence throughout history.
Meaning
pure, innocent
Language Evolution
Lilium (Latin), Lilie (Old French), Lilie (Middle English), Lily (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Lily gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 19th century, partly due to the flower's association with virtue and beauty.
Variants & Derivatives
Lillie, Lillith, Lila
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Lily is perceived as a classic and elegant name, often associated with femininity and grace. It remains a popular choice for girls in many countries.
Famous People
Lily Allen (singer), Lily James (actress), Lily Collins (actress and model)
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Consistently Rising
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 8,199 peak births in 2011
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 24 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 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6773rd of 6773 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 15579th of 16616 | 6 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 8956th of 24088 | 105 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 15668th of 23106 | 24 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 333rd of 9107 | 6,824 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 486th of 9204 | 3,857 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 854th of 12526 | 2,587 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1034th of 19264 | 1,923 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 520th of 27321 | 7,063 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 46th of 35406 | 85,567 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 25th of 30306 | 73,295 |