Lillian

The feminine first name Lillian is often translated as 'the lily,' but it also has other meanings such as 'God has sworn,' 'God is perfection,' and 'God of the oath.' This form of the name has been known as the English base form of Lilli since the 16th century.

What does the name Lillian mean?

Lillian, a feminine first name, can be associated with 'the lily' as well as meanings such as 'God has sworn,' 'God is perfection,' and 'God of the oath.' The English base form Lilli has been particularly popular in England since the 16th century. A popular variant, Lilian, emerged later through modification. The name has various origins: it could be derived from the Latin term lilium or the English word lily, both meaning 'lily.' Additionally, the short form Lilly is often interpreted as a diminutive of Elizabeth. Thus, Lillian could be viewed as a blend of this pet form and the first name Anna. Consequently, the name consists of the Hebrew syllables el, meaning 'God,' and shéva, denoting 'the oath.' Common short forms include: Lil, Lily, Lili, Lilly, Lilli, and Lillie. Furthermore, variants such as Lilian, Liliane, Lillien, Lilien, and Lilienne are widespread. In Italy, Spain, and Portugal, the forms Liliana, Lilianna, or Lilliana are often used. In South Slavic languages, the variation Ljiljana is frequently found.

Where does the name Lillian come from?

The name Lillian has its roots in Old English and Ancient Hebrew and means among other things 'God has sworn' and 'God is perfection.'

How do you pronounce Lillian?

The pronunciation of Lillian is three syllables and fluid. In German, the name is usually pronounced as 'Lil-li-an' [ˈlɪli̯an] or in English as [ˈlɪliən]. The name begins with a clear I sound that conveys lightness. The double consonant connection provides stability in the middle, while the open ending creates a soft sound. Lillian thus appears elegant and feminine - classic, melodic, and timeless.

Popularity

In Germany, Lillian is among the popular first names and currently ranks 553rd on the list of the most common female baby names. The name achieved its best ranking in 2011, when it placed 417th. Over the last ten years, Lillian has been chosen as a first name approximately 680 times, which gives it the 669th position in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 627th.

Nicknames & pet names

Leilei / Lil / Lili / Lilla / Lille / Lilli / Lilly / Lils / Lily

Similar first names

Famous people

• Lilian Harvey (actress)
• Lilian van der Woodsen (Gossip Girl - mother of Serena van der Woodsen)
• Lillian Adams (actress from the USA)
• Lillian Aujo (Ugandan writer)
• Lillian Bassman (American photographer)
• Lillian Boutte (jazz musician from the USA)
• Lillian Chalmers (English sprinter)
• Lillian de la Torre (writer from the USA)
• Lillian Disney (wife of Walt Disney, patron of a charity)
• Lillian Faralla (American baseball player)
• Lillian Fontaine (British actress)
• Lillian Fuchs (musician from the USA)
• Lillian Gallo (American film producer)
• Lillian Gish (film actress)
• Lillian Glass (American writer)
• Lillian Green (American composer)
• Lillian Groag (Argentinian actress)
• Lillian H. South (physicist from the USA)
• Lillian Hellman (American writer)
• Lillian Kemble-Cooper (actress from England)