Lillian
Lillian first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1920, when 10,049 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 3,966.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Lillian popular?
Declining Lillian is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1920 peak.
| 2020s | 24,902 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 64,960 | |
| 2000s | 49,393 | |
| 1990s | 11,229 | |
| 1980s | 5,390 | |
| 1970s | 5,364 | |
| 1960s | 10,606 | |
| 1950s | 16,509 | |
| 1940s | 22,315 | |
| 1930s | 37,391 | |
| 1920s | 83,160 | |
| 1910s | 75,914 | |
| 1900s | 32,519 | |
| 1890s | 24,106 | |
| 1880s | 11,270 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Lillian mean?
Lillian is probably an elaboration of Lily — the flower and a symbol of purity — or a variant of Elizabeth. It carries a soft, vintage charm.
Nicknames for Lillian
- Lil
- Lily
- Lila
Variants & spellings
- Lilian
- Lillianne
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Lillian a boy or a girl name?
Lillian is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Lillian a popular name right now?
Lillian is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1920 peak.
How popular is the name Lillian?
In 2025, Lillian ranked #57 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Lillian most popular?
Lillian was most popular in 1920, when about 10,049 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Lillian?
Common nicknames for Lillian include Lil, Lily, Lila.