English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
name Uncommon

Lillian

Lillian (name) means a female first name derived from the Latin word for "lily," common in American usage. Example: “Lillian graduated at the top of her class.”

name
1
A female first name derived from the Latin word for "lily," common in American usage.
"Lillian graduated at the top of her class."

How to Use Lillian

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe American-spelling counterpart to the British Lilian.

UK vs US

Lillian (double L) is the standard American spelling; Lilian is more typically British.

Easily confused with
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “Lillian” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ graduated at the top of her class.

Etymology

In use since the 1500s; usually traced to Late Latin lilium ("lily").

Origin: Late Latin · First attested 1500

Class of 1500 Lillian joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →
Lil Lilli Lily Lilian Liliana Lillianne

Related Words

Rhymes for Lillian

See all rhymes for Lillian →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Lillian” mean?

The word “Lillian” means a female first name derived from the Latin word for "lily," common in American usage. In plain terms, the American-spelling counterpart to the British Lilian.

How do you use “Lillian” in a sentence?

Here is “Lillian” used in a sentence: “Lillian graduated at the top of her class.”

What part of speech is “Lillian”?

“Lillian” is a name.

Where does the word “Lillian” come from?

The word “Lillian” dates back to around 1500 and comes from Late Latin. In use since the 1500s; usually traced to Late Latin lilium ("lily").

Is “Lillian” a common word?

“Lillian” is an uncommon word in modern English.

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial