Lilian

girlEnglish

Lilian is an girl name of English, possibly from Elizabeth origin, meaning “Lily; possibly from Elizabeth”.

MeaningLily; possibly from Elizabeth
GenderGirl
OriginEnglish, possibly from Elizabeth
PronunciationLIL-ee-un
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited Kingdom, France, Worldwide

Meaning and origin of Lilian

Lilian is an English name of the sixteenth century or later, most likely a pet form of Elizabeth that became associated with the lily, Latin lilium, a symbol of purity. In France Lilian is also used for boys. This single-l spelling is common in Britain and Europe, while Lillian is more usual in the United States. It has a gentle, vintage feel.

Is Lilian a religious name?

Lilian is not a biblical name; the lily is a Christian symbol of purity and of the Virgin Mary, but the name is used by families of any background.

How popular is Lilian?

A classic name with a strong revival in recent years.

Gifts with the name Lilian

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Spellings and variants of Lilian

Names similar to Lilian

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Lilian mean?

Lilian means 'Lily; possibly from Elizabeth'. It is of English, possibly from Elizabeth origin.

Does Lilian have a religious meaning?

Lilian is not a biblical name; the lily is a Christian symbol of purity and of the Virgin Mary, but the name is used by families of any background.

How do you pronounce Lilian?

Lilian is pronounced LIL-ee-un.

Is Lilian a boy or girl name?

Lilian is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.