The name Lilli has its origins in the Germanic languages, derived from the Old German word "lind" or "lint," meaning "soft" or "tender." It is a diminutive form of the name Lilia, which is derived from the Latin name Lilium, meaning "lily." The name emerged in the Middle Ages and was particularly popular in German-speaking regions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lilli can be found in the medieval German epic poem, the Nibelungenlied, where it was mentioned as the name of a minor character. Additionally, the name appears in various German folk tales and legends from the 13th and 14th centuries.

In the 16th century, Lilli gained popularity among the German nobility and aristocracy. One notable figure from this era was Lilli von Ravensberg (1508-1580), a German noblewoman and landowner. She played a significant role in the Reformation movement and was a prominent supporter of the Protestant cause.

During the Renaissance period, the name Lilli was associated with art and culture. Lilli Terwesten (1609-1675) was a Dutch Golden Age painter known for her still-life paintings and portraits. Her works were highly acclaimed during her lifetime and are now preserved in various museums across Europe.

In the 19th century, the name Lilli gained further prominence with the rise of the German literary movement known as Romanticism. Lilli Petri (1798-1862) was a German writer and poet who was part of the Romantic circle in Berlin. Her works explored themes of nature, love, and the human condition.

Another notable figure was Lilli Lehmann (1848-1929), a German operatic soprano who was one of the leading Wagner sopranos of her time. She was widely acclaimed for her interpretations of roles in operas such as Tristan und Isolde and Die Walküre.