Lilas

Meaning & origin

Lilas is a floral name of French origin, directly referencing the lilac flower. In the United States, it first appeared on Social Security records in 1908 and saw its peak usage in 1913, a year which represents its highest recorded frequency. Since the 1910s, its use has generally declined over time, and it remains a rare choice today. The name's trajectory has been falling since about 2020, and it has not experienced a recent revival. It has never appeared among the top states or top 1000 rankings, indicating its consistently niche appeal. For parents seeking a distinctive floral name with European roots, Lilas offers a delicate, understated alternative to more common names like Lily or Violet.

Lilas is the French word for the lilac flower, ultimately from Persian 'lilak' via Arabic and then French. It was adopted as a given name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in French-speaking countries and among English speakers seeking floral names. In the United States, Lilas first appeared on Social Security records in 1908 and saw modest use in the 1910s, peaking in 1913.