How common is Lillian, really?

Girl Names
24

I don’t know that being ranked #34 is so popular that it will be a problem. [name_m]Even[/name_m] 2018’s top name ([name_f]Emma[/name_f]) was given to only 1% of baby girls in the US- very different from 30-35 years ago when 2.5 or 3% of babies were named [name_f]Jessica[/name_f], for example. I think it is unlikely that your child will be one of three or four Lillians in her kindergarten class.

I know a few Lillians: my great aunt, a 22 year old (goes by [name_f]Lilly[/name_f]), and a friend’s kid who is 3. I knew two Lilys who are now around 30, and one [name_f]Lilith[/name_f] who is high school age - last time I saw her she was about 5 and went by [name_f]Lil[/name_f], I am not sure if she still does.

Personally, I probably wouldn’t let overall popularity stop me from using a name I loved, but would likely avoid names already used by family or friends I see frequently, regardless of where they rank (I know a surprising amount of little Edens, for example). I wouldn’t think about popularity at all for a middle name.

25

I know one [name_f]Lillian[/name_f] - she’s 2 - but I know lots of [name_f]Lily[/name_f]’s. If you like it, definitely go for it, it’s a very pretty name, I particularly like [name_f]Neve[/name_f] [name_f]Lillian[/name_f].

26

I would check the popularity in your state. I hear [name_f]Lily[/name_f] a good bit but not [name_f]Lillian[/name_f].

27

[name_m]Ah[/name_m] I don’t know why I didn’t think of this…I just looked it up and it’s #17 here :sob:

28

I have a relative named [name_f]Lillian[/name_f] who is always [name_f]Lilly[/name_f]. She’d be about 8 or 9 now. I’m surprised it’s so high in popularity actually, as you hear so many Lilys and the odd [name_f]Liliana[/name_f], but I never hear [name_f]Lillian[/name_f].

29

I know right!

30

I’ve never met a [name_f]Lillian[/name_f], but I know at least 5 kids/teenagers named [name_f]Lily[/name_f] & 1 named [name_f]Liliana[/name_f].