Lillian

Lillian is an English name that arose in the late sixteenth century, most likely as an elaboration of Lily, which itself derives from the Latin lilium and Greek leirion, referring to the lily flower long associated with purity and beauty. Some scholars have also suggested a connection to Elizabeth, through shortened forms such as Lil or Lily, ultimately tracing back to the Hebrew name Elisheba. The name became widely popular in the English-speaking world during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, carried by figures such as American actress Lillian Gish. Related forms include Lilian, Liliana, Liliane, and Lily.