Lily: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, & Inspiration

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1. Home
2. Baby Names

Lily

The name Lily comes from the Latin word lilium. Lily, meaning "pure", "passion", or "rebirth", is derived from the flower of the same name.

+ 3% this year Feminine Common

Tara Rhiannon Dawn Fietz, BA, MFA

| Updated: May 15, 2025

Tara Rhiannon Dawn Fietz, BA, MFA

| Updated: May 15, 2025 Table of contents

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Lily mean and stand for?

Meaning:

• English: Pure, passion
• Latin: Lily flower
• Arabic: Of the night; night demon

Gender: Female

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Lily is pronounced lil-ee.

The name Lily is derived from the Latin word lilium referring to the lily flower, which symbolizes purity, passion, and rebirth. As a floral name, it carries connotations of natural beauty and elegance. The name Lily has been treasured across various cultures and continues to be a timeless choice for parents.

Girl name variations

Lilith Lilyth Lilian Lily Ann Lilianne Liliana Lilias Lilly Lili Lillie Lilia Lil Lis

How Popular Is The Name Lily

Famous people with this first name

Lily Allen

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Malcolm McDowell Mary Steenburgen Adam Ant Chris O'Donnell Ed Harris Fred Savage Greg Kinnear Johnny Depp Kate Beckinsale Kevin Costner

Lily in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

• Lily Evans from Harry Potter - The mother of the titular character, known for her bravery and love.
• Lily Aldrin from How I Met Your Mother - A kindergarten teacher and a key member of the main friend group.
• Lily Munster from The Munsters - The matriarch of the Munster family, often the voice of reason in their quirky household.
• Lily Tucker-Pritchett from Modern Family - The adopted daughter of Cam and Mitchell, known for her sassy and smart personality.
• Lily Winters from The Young and the Restless - A character central to many dramatic storylines in the soap opera.

Popularity of the Name Lily

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Lily has consistently remained a favorite in the U.S. During 2023, Lily ranked prominently among the top baby names, maintaining its appeal due to its simplicity and floral association. The girl's name Lily, meaning and named for the flower, has been used in Christian imagery and throughout history.

Historically, the name Lily has been associated with purity and beauty, often symbolized by the flower itself. Notable people bearing the name include actress Lily Collins, known for her roles in Mirror Mirror and Emily in Paris, and singer Lily Allen, famous for her hit songs like "Smile" and "The Fear". Fictional characters named Lily appear in popular media such as Lily Potter from the Harry Potter series and Lily Aldrin from the television show How I Met Your Mother.

Where Is the Name Lily Popular?

This name is most popular across certain states in the U.S., including those highlighted on the map below.

Nicknames for Lily

These shortened names can make great nicknames for your baby.

• Lee
• Lil
• Lils

Lily Pairs Well With These Middle Names

Looking for a middle name that fits perfectly? Consider these!

Athena Caroline Jocelyn Serenity Shania

Appears On

Browse these related baby name lists that feature this name and many, many more!

• Bloomin' Baby Names: Top 12 Flower-Inspired Names for Girls
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• 101 The Beatles Names for Babies Who Rock Out

People Who Like the Name Lily Also Like

Check out these names that are similar, but still unique to your baby.

Ella Grace Lucy Rose Violet

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