Lilla is a female given name of Scandinavian origin, particularly from Sweden and Norway. Its meaning is believed to be "lily," the beautiful flower that symbolizes purity and grace.
The name Lilla was quite popular in Scandinavia during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It is still used today but has become less common than it once was. Despite its decreasing popularity, Lilla remains a beloved name among many families who appreciate its connection to their cultural heritage or simply enjoy its unique sound and meaning.
There are no significant historical figures named Lilla that have contributed to the fame of this name. However, some famous individuals with names similar to Lilla include the Swedish actress Livia Millhagen and the Norwegian singer Lillebil Noren.
In literature, there is a character named Lilla in Selma Lagerlöf's novel "The Wonderful Adventures of Nils," although she plays only a minor role. Additionally, the name has been used in various pieces of art and music throughout history, often as a representation of Scandinavian culture or as an ode to the lily flower.
Overall, while not widely known outside of Scandinavia, Lilla remains an attractive and meaningful name with deep roots in Nordic culture and tradition. Its association with the elegant lily flower adds to its allure for those who appreciate beauty and grace.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Lilla has seen a varied history of popularity over the past century and a half in the United States.
During the late 19th to early 20th centuries, the name Lilla saw its highest levels of popularity. Between 1880 and 1923, there were at least 5 births of girls named Lilla every year, with peaks reaching as high as 85 births in 1918. However, after 1924, the number of newborns given the name Lilla began to decline significantly.
The period between 1925 and 1960 saw a consistent decrease in the popularity of the name Lilla, with fewer than 30 births per year on average. This trend continued into the 1970s and 80s, with the number of newborn girls named Lilla dropping to single digits most years.
However, since the early 2000s, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Lilla. Between 2000 and 2023, there were at least 11 births of girls named Lilla every year, with peaks reaching as high as 51 births in 2012. This recent trend suggests that the name Lilla may be experiencing a renaissance among parents in the United States.
Overall, while the name Lilla has seen periods of both popularity and decline over the years, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking to give their daughters a memorable name. With its recent resurgence in popularity, it will be interesting to see how the trend continues in the coming years.