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 Russell was christened Helen Louise Leonard. Tony Pastor gave her the name Lillian Russell, for the very practical reason, I believe, that it had so many "l's" in it, and consequently would look well on a bill-board."
— Lewis Clinton Strang, Famous Prima Donnas (1907)
"Lillian graduated at the top of her class."
How to use Lillian
Learner’s notesIn 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.
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_____ graduated at the top of her class.
Etymology
In use since the 1500s; usually traced to Late Latin lilium ("lily").
Class of 1500
Lillian joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →
Synonyms
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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.
