Lily
LIL-EE
Lily takes its name directly from the flower, which in turn comes from the Old English lilie and Latin lilium. The lily is one of the oldest symbolic flowers in the world, representing purity, innocence and beauty. It has been a popular given name in Britain since the Victorian era, when flower names for girls were especially fashionable, and it has never really fallen out of favour. Today it sits at the very top of the girls' name charts, loved for its simple sweetness and natural elegance.
At a glance
A perennially beloved flower name representing purity and natural beauty, consistently one of the most popular girls' names in Britain.
Etymology & History
Lily comes from the Old English lilie, which was borrowed from Latin lilium, itself derived from the Greek leirion. The flower has been cultivated in Europe since antiquity and has carried symbolic meaning across cultures for thousands of years. As a given name it gained widespread use in England during the Victorian period alongside other flower names such as Rose, Violet and Daisy, and it has remained in continuous use ever since.
Cultural Significance
The lily holds deep symbolic significance across many traditions. In Christianity it is associated with the Virgin Mary, representing purity and grace, and with the Easter lily it signifies resurrection and hope. In art it appears in countless paintings and tapestries as an emblem of feminine virtue. In Britain the name has been borne by celebrated beauties and artists across several centuries, from Lily Langtry in the Victorian era to Lily Allen and Lily James today. It remains one of the quintessentially British flower names, natural, unpretentious and deeply rooted in the English countryside.
Famous people named Lily
Lily Allen
British singer-songwriter known for her witty, sharp pop music and frank public persona, one of Britain's most successful female artists of the 2000s.
Lily James
British actress celebrated for her roles in Cinderella, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Downton Abbey.
Lily Langtry
Victorian actress and socialite, the most celebrated beauty of the late nineteenth century and a close friend of the Prince of Wales.
Lily Tomlin
American actress and comedian who has been a major figure in comedy and film for over five decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Lily
Lila
“Divine play, graceful sport”
Lila derives from the Sanskrit 'lila', meaning divine play or sport, referring to the joyful and effortless creative acts of the gods. It embodies grace, beauty, and the sacred playfulness of the universe.
Lillie
“White lily, purity and innocence”
Lillie has a warm, vintage charm that places it firmly within the tradition of Victorian floral names while feeling approachable and sweet. The double-l spelling gives it a slightly old-fashioned elegance that distinguishes it from the more common Lily. It is a name associated with grace and gentleness and has seen steady use across the English-speaking world for over 150 years.
Where you'll find Lily
Lily shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.