Find out how popular the first name Liley has been for the last 14 years (from 2001 to 2014) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Liley by gender

Based on the last 14 years of data, Liley is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2014, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Liley.

The history of the first name Liley

The name Liley is derived from the Old English word "lilie," which means "lily flower." This name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon culture of England, dating back to the 5th century CE. It was originally a feminine name, often given to girls born in the spring or early summer months when lilies were in bloom.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Liley can be found in the Domesday Book, a medieval census commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The Domesday Book mentions a landowner named Liley in the county of Essex.

In medieval times, the name Liley was associated with purity, innocence, and beauty, reflecting the symbolic meaning of the lily flower in Christian symbolism. It was a popular name among the nobility and upper classes of England during the Middle Ages.

One notable bearer of the name Liley was Liley de Freville, a 13th-century English noblewoman who was a prominent figure in the court of King Henry III. She was known for her charitable works and her patronage of religious institutions.

Another historical figure with the name Liley was Liley Wycliffe, a 14th-century English philosopher and theologian. She was a contemporary of John Wycliffe, the influential religious reformer, and is believed to have been involved in the translation of the Bible into English.

In the 16th century, Liley Trelawny was a celebrated English poet and courtier during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Her works were widely admired and celebrated for their lyrical beauty and romantic themes.

During the English Civil War in the 17th century, Liley Fairfax was a notable military commander who fought on the side of the Parliamentarians against King Charles I. She played a crucial role in several key battles and was renowned for her strategic brilliance and leadership skills.

The name Liley has also been associated with the arts and literature. Liley Austen, a 19th-century English novelist and playwright, was known for her witty and satirical works that explored the societal norms and dynamics of her time.

While the name Liley has its roots in Old English and Anglo-Saxon culture, it has transcended its origins and has been embraced by various cultures and ethnicities over the centuries. Its association with beauty, purity, and grace has made it a timeless and enduring name that continues to be cherished and celebrated across generations.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Liley was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Liley, please contact us.

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