Lily name meaning, origin and popularity
Meaning, origin, similar names and Australian ranking history.
The name Lily
Story and style
Lily is a nature-inspired and vintage name for girls. It is usually linked to the lily flower, giving it a clear meaning without making the name feel too serious. Lily is best understood as an English nature name rather than a name built from ancient personal-name elements.
As a baby name, Lily feels natural, gentle and a little vintage. It is not usually treated as a Biblical, Catholic or traditional saint name. It can stand on its own or sit beside longer related forms such as Lilly, Lillie, Lilian. Because Lily is already short, it does not really need a nickname, though Lil can work casually.
At a glance
The quick version
More about Lily
Background notes
Meaning
Lily is most commonly linked to the lily flower. That meaning gives the name a clear little story without making it feel overworked.
Because the meaning is tied to a real-world image, Lily tends to feel more visual and concrete than names with abstract meanings.
Origin
Lily is commonly traced to English flower name. It is associated with English roots.
It is better understood as a word-name from English usage than as a name built from older personal-name elements.
History and background
Lily fits the long tradition of nature names, but it also works for modern parents because short botanical and colour names have become popular again.
Is Lily a religious name?
Lily is not usually considered a Biblical, Catholic or traditional saint name. It is better understood as a nature or word name.
What style of name is Lily?
Lily fits with nature-inspired names and gentle vintage choices. It sits naturally beside names like Daisy, Violet, Rose and Ivy: names that feel related in sound, style or popularity.
Nicknames and variations
Common nickname options include Lil, Lils.
Names similar to Lily
If you like Lily, you might also like:
Lily ranking history in Australia
Published national top-100 ranking by year
Lily has been a steady favourite in Australia. It ranked 12th in 2025, keeping it comfortably inside the current top 30 for girls, and appeared in the top 100 every year from 2008 to 2025.
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 12th |
| 2024 | 9th |
| 2023 | 5th |
| 2022 | 8th |
| 2021 | 14th |
| 2020 | 20th |
| 2019 | 14th |
| 2018 | 16th |
| 2017 | 12th |
| 2016 | 10th |
| 2015 | 20th |
| 2014 | 18th |
| 2013 | 12th |
| 2012 | 11th |
| 2011 | 11th |
| 2010 | 4th |
| 2009 | 8th |
| 2008 | 11th |