Lily is one of the most popular baby names in the UK, ranked #3 in 2024. With 2,185 babies given this name, your child will likely be the only Lily in their class — but in a school of 600, expect around ~1.1 others.
Origin & Meaning
English — The lily flower; purity and beauty
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UK Rank 2024
#3
US Rank #24
About the Name Lily
Lily is holding steady in the rankings at #3. It reached its peak of #3 in 2011 and has maintained consistent levels since — the hallmark of a name with lasting rather than trend-driven appeal. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996. It has spent 29 of the last 29 years inside the UK top 100 — a mark of enduring mainstream appeal.
In terms of origin, Lily is rooted in English, where it means "The lily flower; purity and beauty". Names with strong etymological stories tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles.
Lily is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
In the US it sits at #24 — notably more popular in the UK than across the Atlantic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Lily
Probably not in their specific class, but possible. With around 2,185 UK babies named Lily per year, your child will likely be the only Lily in her class. In a school of 600, however, expect to find around ~1.1 others.
Lily has held a stable position around #3 for several years. It reached its recorded peak of #3 in 2011 and has maintained consistent levels since — suggesting lasting rather than trend-driven appeal.
The name Lily has English origins and means "The lily flower; purity and beauty". Names with clear etymological roots tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles and give children a story to tell about their name.
Notable people named Lily include: Lily Aldridge — Lily Maud Aldridge is an American model.; Lily Hanson — Lily Jo Hanson (born Joe Hanson) is a writer and comedian living in Los Angeles and is best known for her work on Current TV, Smash Cuts, and Joe Goes.; Lily Tomlin — Mary Jean "Lily" Tomlin is an American actress, comedian, writer, singer, and producer..
Lily ranks #24 in the US (2024), making it comfortably inside the American top 100. It's well-liked on both sides of the Atlantic.
2,185
UK babies named Lily (2024)
~0.1
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~1.1
In a school of 600
→ Stable
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Lily
Likely around 1 other Lily in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Lily
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Elsie Cotton, known professionally as Lily Elsie, was an English actress and singer during the Edwardian era. She was best known for her starring role in the London premiere of Franz Lehár's operetta The Merry Widow.
Lily Jo Hanson (born Joe Hanson) is a writer and comedian living in Los Angeles and is best known for her work on Current TV, Smash Cuts, and Joe Goes.
Mary Jean "Lily" Tomlin is an American actress, comedian, writer, singer, and producer. Tomlin started her career in stand-up comedy and sketch comedy before transitioning her career to acting across stage and screen.