"lily flower, purity"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Lili
Pronunciation: [ l-IHL-ee ]
Does Lili flow with your last name?
A timeless floral name meaning purity and beauty across cultures
English
German
French
Romanian
Spanish
Hungarian
Classic
Gentle
Elegant
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Lili
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"God is my oath (as diminutive of Elizabeth)"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
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The Story of Lili
Lili is an international variant of Lily, which derives from the Latin 'lilium' (lily flower), itself from the Greek 'leirion.' The lily has been a symbol of purity and beauty since ancient Egypt, and the name has been used across Europe for over a millennium. In some traditions, Lili also functions as a diminutive of Elizabeth, from the Hebrew Elisheba meaning 'God is my oath.' The double-i spelling is particularly common in German, Romanian, and Central European traditions.
The name Lili has been beloved across Europe and especially Central and Eastern Europe for centuries. It gained English-speaking visibility through notable actresses and artists. The variant spelling maintains a sense of vintage European elegance that distinguishes it from the more common Lily.
In Christian symbolism, the lily represents purity and the Virgin Mary. In many European cultures, the lily (and names derived from it) are associated with innocence, beauty, and rebirth. The name is particularly cherished in Hungary and Romania as a traditional feminine name.
Historical Record
Lili first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 3,659 babies have been named Lili in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lili is past its peak , currently ranked #3,040 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The lily is one of the oldest cultivated flowers, with evidence of cultivation dating back 3,000 years
- Lili is the most common spelling in German-speaking countries and is also a classic Hungarian name
Lili in Other Languages
French
Lili
German
Lili
Spanish
Lili
Japanese
リリ
Romanian
Lili
Hungarian
Lili
Popularity Over Time
#3,040
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1954
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lili
L
Lili Reinhart
Actor
1996
American actress known for playing Betty Cooper in Riverdale
L
Lili Taylor
Actor
1967
American actress known for her indie film roles in Mystic Pizza and I Shot Andy Warhol
L
Lili (character) Fictional
Other
Name used by several beloved fictional characters in European literature and film
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Compare Lili with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,040
- Total SSA Count
- 54
- Cultural Origins
- English German French Romanian Spanish Hungarian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Li
Lils
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lili
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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"ruler of the land"
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"from Britain, a Briton"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lili
What does the name Lili mean?
"lily flower, purity" (from Latin). "God is my oath (as diminutive of Elizabeth)" (from Hebrew). Lili is an international variant of Lily, which derives from the Latin 'lilium' (lily flower), itself from the Greek 'leirion.' The lily has been a symbol of purity and beauty since ancient Egypt, and the name has been used across Europe for over a millennium. In some traditions, Lili also functions as a diminutive of Elizabeth, from the Hebrew Elisheba meaning 'God is my oath.' The double-i spelling is particularly common in German, Romanian, and Central European traditions.
What is the origin of the name Lili?
Lili has Latin, Hebrew, English, German, French, Romanian, Spanish, and Hungarian origins. In Latin, it means "lily flower, purity". In Hebrew, it means "God is my oath (as diminutive of Elizabeth)".
Is Lili a boy or girl name?
Lili is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Lili?
Lili is pronounced l-IHL-ee.
How popular is the name Lili?
Lili is currently ranked #3040 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Lili?
Common nicknames for Lili include Lils.
What are good middle names for Lili?
Popular middle name pairings include Lili Rose, Lili Marie, Lili Grace, Lili Anne, Lili Belle, and Lili Jane.
What are good sibling names for Lili?
Names that pair well with Lili as siblings include Violet, Iris, Daisy, Leo, Oliver, and Cora.
How many syllables does Lili have?
Lili has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lili a common or rare name?
Lili is an uncommon name, ranked #3040 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Lili?
About the Name Lili
Lili is a girl name with English, German, French, Romanian, Spanish, and Hungarian origins . The name means "lily flower, purity" in Latin .
Lili is currently ranked #3,040 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lili has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-IHL-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Lili include Li and Lils. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Lili include Lily, Lillian, Liliana, Lilah, Lila . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis