The name Lily is of English origin and is derived from the flower with the same name. The Lily flower has been widely admired throughout history for its beauty and grace, making it a popular choice as a baby girl's name.
Lily means "pure" or "noble." This meaning comes from the association of the lily flower with purity, elegance, and beauty. In many cultures, lilies are considered symbols of innocence, grace, and sophistication. The name Lily was also used in ancient Greek mythology to represent the goddess Hera, who was known for her beauty and majesty.
The use of Lily as a given name can be traced back to medieval England. During this time, it was often used as a nickname or pet name for people named Elizabeth, since the word "lily" was used to describe something beautiful. Over time, however, Lily became more commonly used as an independent given name.
Today, Lily remains a popular choice for baby girls around the world. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Lily has consistently ranked among the top 100 most popular girl's names since the 2000s. In fact, it was the second most popular name for newborn girls in the year 2019.
Overall, the name Lily carries a rich history and beautiful meaning that makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a classic yet timeless name for their daughter. Whether you're drawn to its association with the elegant flower or its meaning of purity and nobility, Lily is sure to be a striking and memorable name for your little one.
The name Lily has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century and a half. Between 1880 and 1923, the number of girls named Lily at birth varied from a low of 41 in 1880 to a high of 418 in 1922. During this period, the name's popularity waxed and waned, with peaks occurring in the early 1900s and again in the late 1910s and early 1920s.
After 1923, there was a significant decline in the number of girls named Lily at birth, with only 362 births recorded in 1925. This trend continued throughout the Great Depression era, with the lowest point being reached in 1945, when only 142 babies were named Lily.
However, starting from the mid-1950s, there was a resurgence of popularity for the name Lily. The number of births increased steadily over time, reaching a peak of 8192 in 2011. Since then, the popularity of the name has remained relatively stable, with around 6000 babies named Lily each year until 2023.
In total, between 1880 and 2023, there have been 176,745 girls named Lily born in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name's popularity has fluctuated over time, it has remained a enduring favorite among parents throughout American history.