Lillian

English

Alternative forms

• (UK) Lilian

Etymology

Used since the sixteenth century, possibly originally a pet form of Elizabeth, but generally accepted as a variant of Late Latin lilium (“lily”).

Proper noun

Lillian

1. A female given name from Latin. (This is the standard American spelling.)
   • 1836, Adeline Sergeant, Lillian Lee:

     Your mother's name was Lillian, Minnie Lee,
     Her other name I never heard, until
     I stood within the church and saw her wed
     So she is ever Lillian Lee to me.

   • 1907, Lewis Clinton Strang, Famous Prima Donnas, L.C.Page&Co, page 33:

     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.

Related terms

• Lila, Lil, Lili, Lilia, Liliana, Liliane, Liliane, Lilias, Lilli, Lillia, Lilianna, Lilliana, Lilliane, Lilliann, Lillianna, Lillianne, Lillie, Lilly, Lillyan, Lillyanne, Lily, Lilyan, Lilyann.

Translations

female given name — see Lilian

Danish

Etymology

From English Lillian.

Proper noun

Lillian

1. a female given name

Norwegian

Etymology

From English Lillian.

Proper noun

Lillian

1. a female given name