Find out how popular the first name Lilly has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lilly by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Lilly is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Lilly being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,194 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lilly.

The history of the first name Lilly

The name Lilly is a feminine given name with roots in various languages and cultures. It is derived from the Latin name Lilium, meaning "lily" – the beautiful and fragrant flower. This floral association traces back to ancient Greece and Rome, where the lily symbolized purity, fertility, and renewal.

The name Lilly gained popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly in England and France. It was often bestowed upon girls born around Easter or during the spring season, as the lily was a prominent symbol of the Resurrection in Christian traditions. Historical records show variations like Lylie, Lili, and Lillie appearing in parish registers as early as the 13th century.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Liliosa, a French noblewoman who lived in the 12th century. She was celebrated for her beauty and virtue, contributing to the name's positive connotations.

In literature, the name Lilly appears in the works of renowned authors such as William Shakespeare. In his play "Love's Labour's Lost," the character Lilly is a vivacious and witty young woman, reflecting the name's association with beauty and charm.

Notable historical figures named Lilly include:

1. Lilly Martin Spencer (1822-1902), an American painter known for her genre scenes depicting domestic life.
2. Lilly Ledbetter (born 1938), an American activist who fought for equal pay and inspired the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009.
3. Lilly Wambaugh (1898-1976), an American writer and one of the first female police officers in Oregon.
4. Lilly Reich (1885-1947), a German modernist designer and collaborator with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
5. Lilly Jacobsson (1939-2022), a Swedish painter and sculptor known for her abstract works.

Throughout history, the name Lilly has been associated with qualities such as grace, beauty, and resilience, often drawing inspiration from the delicate yet hardy lily flower. Its enduring popularity across cultures and generations reflects its timeless appeal and symbolic resonance.

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 Lilly was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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