Holding steady.
Popularity of Lil since 1916
Babies named Lil per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 11 |
| 1920s | 10 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 11 |
| 1950s | 45 |
| 1960s | 39 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 10 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Lil is a short and sweet name that is primarily used as a nickname for Lillian or Lily, but has seen some limited use as a standalone name. The first recorded use in the U.S. was in 1916, and its peak year of popularity was 1957, during a time when nickname names were trendy. Since then, its usage has remained stable but rare, never breaking into the top 1000 names. In its peak year, 1957, it was given to fewer than 5 babies, resulting in a 1-in-N rank that is too small to calculate. The name has not been recorded in any top state lists, indicating its rarity across the country. Today, Lil might be considered a vintage nickname name with a simple, charming sound.
Lil originated as a nickname for Lillian or Lily, which derive from the Latin 'lilium' meaning lily. The name was also used as a diminutive for Elizabeth and other names containing the 'lil' sound. It gained some independent use in the early 20th century, peaking in the 1950s, but has remained a rare standalone name.
Sibling names for Lil
Names that share Lil's style, for a brother or sister.
