Rising since 1985, #560 for girls today.
Popularity of Lilian since 1880
Babies named Lilian per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 213 |
| 1890s | 280 |
| 1900s | 282 |
| 1910s | 637 |
| 1920s | 453 |
| 1930s | 173 |
| 1940s | 154 |
| 1950s | 190 |
| 1960s | 315 |
| 1970s | 475 |
| 1980s | 717 |
| 1990s | 1,817 |
| 2000s | 5,783 |
| 2010s | 5,935 |
| 2020s | 3,046 |
Meaning & origin
Lilian is a graceful floral name that has been in use since at least 1880, when it first appeared on U.S. records. It reached its peak popularity in 2007, and has been rising steadily since 1985. The name is especially favored in Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Nebraska, where its soft sound and vintage charm appeal to modern parents. While its similarity to Lillian sometimes leads to spelling confusion, Lilian offers a slightly simpler alternative that still carries the same timeless lily symbolism. In 2025, it was given to roughly 1 in every 2,993 girls, a reflection of its consistent, though not overwhelming, appeal.
Lilian is a variant spelling of Lillian, which itself comes from the Latin word 'lilium' meaning lily. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, often used as a floral name. It shares roots with the French Liliane and the Italian Liliana.
Where Lilian is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Lilian” around the world
Where Lilian lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
100
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lily, Lil, Lia, Anne
Sibling names for Lilian
Names that share Lilian's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Lilian
Names whose popularity has moved with Lilian's over the last 50 years.
