Surname Lilly - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Lilly: What does the surname Lilly mean?
The surname Lilly is of English and French origin and is primarily thought to be a topographic name for someone who lived by a field of lilies, derived from the Middle English "lilie" or Old French "lilie." Both words are ultimately from the Latin "lilium." In this context, the lily had various symbolic significances in different cultures, often representing purity or beauty. Accordingly, the lily's distinct nature has been used in many works of literature as a symbol for these and similar traits.
Additionally, it could also be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic "O'Leathlobhair", which translates to "descendant of Leathlobhar." Leathlobhar is a personal name comprising the elements "leath" meaning "half" and "lobhar" meaning "sick or leprous", thus possibly denoting a person with a noticeable physical ailment.
Like many surnames, Lilly may have evolved differently in various locations, resulting in numerous families sharing the name with markedly different origins. The complex history of surnames often leads to multiple potential meanings for any one name.
Order DNA origin analysisLilly: Where does the name Lilly come from?
The last name Lilly originates from England, where it was first recorded in 1296 in Sussex. It is derived from the personal name ‘Lilly,’ which is a pet form of ‘Elizabeth.’ It was also used as a nickname from the Middle English word for lily, and it might refer to someone who lived by the sign of the lily or who had a pale complexion or innocent character (both attributes traditionally associated with the flower). The surname is also linked to France through the Norman variation 'de Lisle'. The Lilly family motto, "Sapiens qui assiduus," means "A wise man is assiduous."
Today, this surname is popular in the United States, England, and to some extent, in Australia. In the United States, it is especially common in West Virginia — as per 2014 data, West Virginia had the highest number of Lilly families. Although not as common as other surnames in England and Australia, it still holds a considerable presence, especially in regions like Norfolk and New South Wales respectively.
Variations of the surname Lilly
The surname Lilly has multiple variants that have evolved over the years due to factors such as migration and dialects. Some of these variants include Lillie, Lill, Lille, Lylli, Lili, and Lyle. Spelling variations could also encompass double letters, such as Lylly or Lillly.
This surname, like many others, was often based on one's occupation or location, and in this case, Lilly could have been derived from a family that lived near a lilac tree or a valley (Lilly could have been a shortened version of 'Lilac Valley').
Surnames derived from Lilly might include Lilley, Lyllie, Lillies, and Lillison, among others. Hyphenated versions may also exist, for example, Lilly-Smith or Cole-Lilly, typically to preserve maternal surnames or to unite two family names.
A number of surnames also originated from the same root or have similar meanings, such as Lillian or Lillyman. In some cultures, Lilly may also be a first name, and the surname might have been created as a patronymic surname (a surname originated from a paternal ancestor's personal name), such as Lillyson or Lillys.
Famous people with the name Lilly
- Evan Lilly: American entrepreneur and founder of the pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly and Company
- Myley Cyrus: American singer, songwriter, actress and producer
- Dylan Lilly: Professional soccer player
- Cybill Shepherd: American actress, singer and former model
- Alan Lilly: American actor and filmmaker
- Bill Lilly: American actor and producer
- Jeffery Lilly: American former MLB pitcher
- Scott Lilly: Former congressman (Democrat) and budget director
- Jeff Lilly: American football player
- Matt Lilly: American voice actor