Lillie is a name of French origin, derived from the word "lilas", which means "lilac". The lilac is a popular flowering shrub that produces clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white. The name Lillie is often associated with these beautiful blooms and their delicate scent.
The use of Lillie as a given name began in the 19th century, when it was first introduced in France. It quickly gained popularity throughout Europe and eventually made its way to other parts of the world. Today, Lillie is still a relatively uncommon name, but it has been used consistently over time, with peaks in popularity during the late Victorian era.
In literature, one notable example of the name Lillie can be found in Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest". The character Cecily Cardew has a cousin named Lillie who is mentioned throughout the story. This portrayal may have contributed to the name's appeal at the time and helped to solidify its place in popular culture.
Overall, Lillie is a charming and unique name with a rich history rooted in French language and culture. Its connection to the fragrant lilac flower adds an element of beauty and grace to this elegant moniker.
The name "Lillie" has seen a wide range of popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 19th century, it experienced a steady increase in usage, with birth numbers ranging from 647 in 1880 to 2030 in 1913. The peak was reached in 1918 with 3112 births.
The first half of the 20th century saw a gradual decline in the popularity of the name "Lillie". It hit its lowest point in the early 1950s, with only 530 births recorded in 1955. However, it began to recover after that, reaching numbers like 794 in 1956 and 682 in 1958.
From the late 1960s onwards, there was another significant decrease in the usage of the name "Lillie". It reached its lowest point since record-keeping began in the mid-1970s, with only 88 births recorded in 1977. This trend continued until the late 1980s when the number started to rise again.
In recent years, the popularity of the name "Lillie" has been fluctuating but remains relatively steady. It reached its most recent peak in 2023 with 409 births recorded. Overall, since record-keeping began, there have been a total of 158067 births for the name "Lillie" in the United States.
This statistical analysis provides insight into the changing popularity of the name "Lillie" over time in the United States. It illustrates how societal trends and preferences can influence the choice of names for newborns.