The name Lil originated from the Old Norse language, which was spoken by the Scandinavian peoples during the Viking Age, spanning from the late 8th century to the late 11th century. It is a diminutive form of the Germanic name Lilli, which itself is derived from the Old German word "lind" meaning "soft" or "tender."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lil can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, a collection of narratives that chronicle the lives and adventures of the Norse settlers in Iceland during the 9th to 11th centuries. The Saga of Gunnlaug Serpent-Tongue, written in the 13th century, mentions a character named Lil, the daughter of a prominent chieftain.

In ancient Norse mythology, there is a reference to a goddess named Lil or Lili, who was associated with fertility and childbirth. She was often depicted as a young and beautiful maiden, symbolizing the renewal of life and the arrival of spring.

During the Middle Ages, the name Lil gained popularity across various regions of Europe, particularly in Scandinavia, Germany, and the Netherlands. One notable historical figure bearing this name was Lil Dagover (1887-1980), a German actress who gained fame during the era of silent films. She starred in several acclaimed movies, including "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1920) and "The Student of Prague" (1926).

Another notable Lil was Lil Hardin Armstrong (1898-1971), an American jazz pianist, singer, and bandleader. She was an influential figure in the early development of jazz music and is best known for her collaborations with her husband, the legendary Louis Armstrong.

In the literary world, the name Lil was immortalized by the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen in his fairy tale "The Elf of the Rose." The story features a character named Lil, who is a young and enchanting elf living in a rose.

Other historical figures with the name Lil include Lil Dagover (1932-2018), a Norwegian actress and singer; Lil Picard (1899-1994), a French actress and comedian; and Lil Hardin Armstrong (1898-1971), an American jazz pianist and singer.