Declining since 2008, #4,067 for girls today.
Popularity of Lilyan since 1895
Babies named Lilyan per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2007, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lilyan's real moment was 1915.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 29 |
| 1900s | 164 |
| 1910s | 849 |
| 1920s | 321 |
| 1930s | 162 |
| 1940s | 59 |
| 1950s | 33 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 22 |
| 1990s | 122 |
| 2000s | 1,232 |
| 2010s | 1,055 |
| 2020s | 270 |
Meaning & origin
Lilyan is a feminine name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1895. It saw its peak popularity in 1915, when it ranked highest among given names. Since 2008, its usage has been declining, and in 2025 it ranked 4067, with approximately 1 in 45922 newborn girls receiving the name. The name is a variant spelling of Lillian, which itself derives from Elizabeth, but it also evokes the lily flower. While it has not been among the top-ranked names in any state in recent years, Lilyan retains a vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking a less common alternative to Lillian or Lily. Its trajectory suggests it will remain a rare but recognizable choice.
Lilyan is a variant spelling of Lillian, which itself originated as a diminutive of Elizabeth. Elizabeth ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning "God is my oath." However, Lilyan may also be directly inspired by the flower name Lily, associated with purity. The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
“Lilyan” around the world
Where Lilyan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lily, Lil, Ana, Yanny
Sibling names for Lilyan
Names that share Lilyan's style, for a brother or sister.
