Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Lillian

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Lily

      Variations

      Lilliana, Lillianna, Cillian
      The name Lillian has its roots in the English language and is derived from the word lily, a symbol of purity and beauty. It first gained popularity in England during the late 19th century and experienced a significant surge in usage. Lillian is a variation of the name Lilian, which itself is a diminutive form of the name Lily. The name Lillian embodies the elegance and delicacy associated with the flower, endowing the bearer with these qualities.

      Throughout history, the name Lillian has been carried by notable individuals. One such prominent figure is Lillian Wald, an American nurse, social worker, and activist. She founded the Henry Street Settlement in New York City in 1893, providing healthcare and social services to those in need. Her contributions to public health and social reform significantly impacted society, making her an influential figure.

      In modern times, the name Lillian continues to be used extensively. It has maintained its popularity and appeals to many parents seeking a traditional yet graceful name for their daughters. Lillian has become a timeless choice, symbolizing beauty and purity. Its elegant sound and connection to the lily flower resonate with individuals seeking a name of sophistication and simplicity. The name Lillian stands as a testament to its enduring legacy within the English-speaking world.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Lillian.
      William

      William

      This is the most common name of those married to a Lillian.
      William

      William

      This is the most common name for a child of a Lillian.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1910 is when there were the most people born with the first name Lillian.

      Explore the origins of another name.