Girls · #18 in 2025
Lily: Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Origin
- English flower name
- Meaning
- Lily flower
- Pronunciation
- LIL-ee
- Nickname options
- Lil
Origin and meaning
Lily comes directly from the flower word, which reaches English through Latin lilium. Its floral symbolism varies by setting and tradition; the straightforward botanical meaning is the clearest starting point for the name.
U.S. popularity
Lily ranked #18 for girls in the United States in 2025, with 6,673 girls given this spelling. Its highest recorded U.S. rank was #15, reached in 2011. Historical coverage: 1880–2025. Peak refers to rank, not the largest number of births.
Source: Social Security Administration; historical peaks calculated from its national name files. Rankings count each spelling separately within the listed sex.
The Hello Baby Names take
Lily feels fresh, gentle, and remarkably complete for such a small name. It has the sweetness of a nickname without needing a longer form behind it. Parents who prefer a familiar flower name with an uncomplicated sound may keep returning to it.
Things to consider
Lily and Lilly sound identical in English but rank separately. Lillian and Liliana also contribute to how often you may hear the nickname Lily.
If you love Lily, consider…
- Daisy: Keeps the cheerful, direct flower connection.
- Ivy: Offers a sharper botanical sound.
- Lucy: Matches the bright two-syllable rhythm.
- Ella: Shares the soft, uncomplicated shape.
- Lillian: Adds a formal full-name option.
- Ruby: Brings richer color and a little more bite.
- Chloe: Offers similar lightness with different consonants.
- Rose: Makes the floral style even more compact.