Lilli is a charming and unique feminine given name that originates from German roots. Its original meaning is derived from the German word "lilie," which translates to "lily" in English, the beautiful flower known for its purity and elegance.
The name Lilli has been popular throughout history, with notable figures bearing this name. One of the most famous was Lilly Daché (1895-1993), a French-American hat designer who became a prominent figure in fashion during the early to mid-20th century. Her unique and creative hats were worn by many celebrities and were often featured in films, further popularizing her name.
In literature, another notable Lilli is the character Lilli Vanessi from William Shakespeare's play "Kiss Me Kate," which was adapted into a musical by Cole Porter. This character, originally named Katherina in Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew," is a strong-willed and independent woman who captivates audiences with her charm and wit.
While not as widely used today as some other names, Lilli remains a distinctive choice for parents looking for an elegant and meaningful name for their daughter. Its origins and history make it a unique and timeless option that continues to capture the essence of beauty and grace.
The name Lilli has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century, particularly in the United States. Between 1912 and 2023, there have been a total of 3306 births with the first name Lilli.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can observe several trends:
* The name Lilli was quite uncommon in the early to mid-20th century, with fewer than 10 births per year between 1912 and 1954.
* Starting in 1954, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Lilli. That year alone saw 42 births, which marked the beginning of a period of steady growth in popularity.
* The name reached its peak popularity between 2006 and 2008, with over 170 births each year. This marked a significant rise from the previous decades, indicating that Lilli had become a popular choice among parents during this time.
* Despite a slight dip after 2008, the name remained relatively common throughout the 2010s, with around 70-150 births per year.
* In recent years, however, there has been a decline in the popularity of the name Lilli. Between 2018 and 2023, the number of annual births with this name dropped from 55 to just 31.
While Lilli may not be as popular today as it was a decade ago, its popularity has fluctuated significantly over the past century. It will be interesting to see if these recent trends continue or if we see another resurgence in the name's popularity in the coming years.