Lillian

girlEnglish

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

MeaningLily; pet form of Elizabeth
GenderGirl
OriginEnglish, possibly from Elizabeth
PronunciationLIL-ee-un
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, Canada, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Lillian

Lillian is the double-l spelling of Lilian, an English name that probably began as a diminutive of Elizabeth and was then linked to the lily, Latin lilium. It was a top name in the United States around 1900, faded mid-century, and has returned strongly as a vintage choice. The silent-film actress Lillian Gish is a famous bearer. Lily and Lil are common nicknames.

Is Lillian a religious name?

Lillian has no direct religious origin, although the lily is a Christian symbol of purity and Elizabeth is a biblical name; it is used by families of all backgrounds.

How popular is Lillian?

Popular again in the United States since the 2000s.

Gifts with the name Lillian

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Spellings and variants of Lillian

Names similar to Lillian

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Lillian mean?

Lillian means 'Lily; pet form of Elizabeth'. It is of English, possibly from Elizabeth origin.

Does Lillian have a religious meaning?

Lillian has no direct religious origin, although the lily is a Christian symbol of purity and Elizabeth is a biblical name; it is used by families of all backgrounds.

How do you pronounce Lillian?

Lillian is pronounced LIL-ee-un.

Is Lillian a boy or girl name?

Lillian is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.