Lily

girlEnglishChristian

Lily is an girl name of English, from Latin origin, meaning “Lily flower”.

MeaningLily flower
GenderGirl
OriginEnglish, from Latin
PronunciationLIL-ee
TraditionModern & Classic, Christian
Used inUnited Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada

Meaning and origin of Lily

Lily comes from the flower, whose English name derives from the Latin 'lilium'. It became a given name in the nineteenth century during the fashion for flower names, and it was also used as a pet form of Elizabeth. The white lily has long been a symbol of purity and is closely associated with the Virgin Mary in Christian art. In the twenty-first century Lily has ranked among the most popular girls' names in the UK and the US.

Is Lily a religious name?

Lily is a secular flower name, but the lily is a traditional Christian symbol of the Virgin Mary, and Jesus speaks of the 'lilies of the field' in the Sermon on the Mount.

How popular is Lily?

Very popular in English-speaking countries in recent decades.

Gifts with the name Lily

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Spellings and variants of Lily

LiliLillyLillieLilianaLilian

Names similar to Lily

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Lily mean?

Lily means 'Lily flower'. It is of English, from Latin origin.

Does Lily have a religious meaning?

Lily is a secular flower name, but the lily is a traditional Christian symbol of the Virgin Mary, and Jesus speaks of the 'lilies of the field' in the Sermon on the Mount.

How do you pronounce Lily?

Lily is pronounced LIL-ee.

Is Lily a boy or girl name?

Lily is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.