Lilian is a name of Latin origin that means "lily". It is derived from the Latin word "lilium", which refers to the flower lily. The lily is often associated with purity, beauty, and innocence in many cultures around the world.
The name Lilian has been used for centuries, but it became particularly popular during the Victorian era in England. During this time, names derived from flowers were quite fashionable among the upper classes. As a result, many girls were named Lilian during this period.
In literature, one of the most notable appearances of the name Lilian is in Charles Dickens' novel "Bleak House". The character Lilian Tisher is a supporting character in the story.
Today, Lilian remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic and elegant name for their daughters. It is often associated with grace and sophistication, reflecting the beauty and purity of the lily flower that it is named after.
The name Lilian experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time. While there were only 19 births named Lilian in 1880, this number steadily increased to a peak of 786 births in 2006. However, the popularity of the name has since decreased, with only 541 births recorded in 2023. Overall, there were a total of 19,376 births named Lilian from 1880 to 2023.