Lily
Girl Name
Syllables
2
First Letter
L
Popularity
5/100

Meaning of Lily

English Simply means "lily" from the name of the flower, a symbol of purity.

About the Name Lily

With its two clean syllables, Lily is a feminine name that has gained popularity across cultures and generations. The name means "English Simply means "lily" from the name of the flower". It is a rare and considered girl name, chosen by parents who want something genuinely uncommon while remaining rooted in cultural heritage. Its meaning "English Simply means "lily" from the name of the flower" resonates across different cultural contexts, which is part of why the name speaks to parents across cultural lines.

The practical question of how Lily flows with the family surname is worth considering. It sits comfortably in multicultural environments and is easy to pronounce and spell for teachers, peers, and family members from any background. Notable bearers of the name include Lily Allen (singer), Lily James (actress), Lily Tomlin (actress and comedian). If distinctiveness matters to you, Lily delivers: your child is unlikely to share their name with classmates, while still carrying a name with real meaning.

Sound & Flow

Lily is a 2-syllable name. Test it with your family surname to hear how it flows. For example: Lily Tan, Lily Lee, or Lily Ng.

Pronunciation varies by community.

Cultural Context

Crosses cultural boundaries easily and is used across Chinese, Eurasian, and mixed-heritage families. Works well with both English and Chinese surnames.

Name Style & Tags

Popularity Through History

See all-time rankings →

Rank in California top 25 (1 = most popular). Bars represent years the name charted - Hover for rank.

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Bar height = popularity rank (taller = higher rank) Hover for exact rank by year

Name Facts & Trivia

Name length
4 letters
Short and punchy - Easy to remember and call out.
Syllable pattern
2 syllables
Two-syllable names are the most popular pattern across cultures.
First letter
L
Browse more names starting with L
Gender
Girl
A traditionally girl name across most cultures.

Famous People Named Lily

Prominent figures who share this name - Drawn from global culture, sports, and public life.

This name has been carried by notable individuals across many fields including arts, sports, science, and public service globally.

Want to discover names with similar fame? Try our name generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

English Simply means "lily" from the name of the flower, a symbol of purity.
Lily has a popularity score of 5/100. It is a distinctive and uncommon choice — your child is unlikely to share it with classmates.
Lily is traditionally a girl name. It has been used consistently for girls across different cultures and generations.
Test the name across all languages your family speaks to ensure it sounds natural. If you come from a multilingual household, say it in each language you use at home before deciding.
The best middle names for Lily depend on your surname and cultural background. Lily is versatile — it works with both short and longer middle names. Use our name generator to explore combinations.
Natural nicknames for Lily often emerge from how family members start using it. At 2 syllables, there are natural places to shorten it. Try different variations until one feels right for your family.

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