Lily

Complete Name Analysis & Etymology Guide
183,046 Total Births
145 Years of Data
2011 Peak Popularity Year
8,199 Peak Births

Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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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

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Pronunciation

/ˈlɪli/

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Origin

Latin

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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.

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Meaning

pure, innocent

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Language Evolution

Lilium (Latin), Lilie (Old French), Lilie (Middle English), Lily (Modern English)

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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.

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Variants & Derivatives

Lillie, Lillith, Lila

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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.

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Famous People

Lily Allen (singer), Lily James (actress), Lily Collins (actress and model)

📊 Trend Analysis

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Girl Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Rising
25-Year Trend: Consistently Rising
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Boy Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Stable
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable

Explore More Name Visualizations

Key Insights

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Popularity Trend

Highly Popular name with 8,199 peak births in 2011

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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

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Generational Impact

Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity

🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (24 Variations)

Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 24 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.

Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.

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

Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
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

Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- - - -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
- - - -
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
- - 56.82%
4155th/7313
-
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
- - - -

Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
26.41%
374th/1416
24.00%
331st/1379
14.07%
333rd/2366
17.86%
204th/1142
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
37.58%
581st/1546
34.70%
540th/1556
19.34%
455th/2353
18.10%
280th/1547
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
51.01%
1136th/2227
32.67%
794th/2430
32.84%
937th/2853
23.35%
648th/2775
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
55.02%
1616th/2937
24.38%
849th/3483
35.65%
1254th/3518
18.84%
762nd/4044
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
17.45%
643rd/3685
8.83%
395th/4475
13.21%
686th/5194
6.85%
433rd/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
0.96%
44th/4582
0.83%
43rd/5164
0.83%
61st/7313
0.67%
50th/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
0.78%
31st/3984
0.49%
22nd/4487
0.35%
24th/6822
0.40%
25th/6276

State-by-State Popularity

This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.

Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States

This name shows strongest popularity in Utah across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been consistently rising. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7545th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6773rd out of 6773 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 15579th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8956th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 15668th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 333rd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 486th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 854th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1034th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 520th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 46th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 25th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Infographic: Name meaning, origin, and popularity trends in the United States (US baby name analysis chart)
[600x500px image] Etymology and historical popularity analysis
Infographic: Alternative spellings and similar pronunciation names
[600x500px image] Alternative spellings and similar pronunciation names