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Lily

Girl name · 5,573 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Lily: 5,573 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 491 births in 2011.

Lily has blossomed from the Latin word *lilium*, the flower that has long symbolised purity, innocence, and beauty. In Christian tradition, the white Madonna lily is associated with the Virgin Mary, which helped cement the name’s popularity across Europe. Famous bearers include the American actress Lily Tomlin, known for her sharp comedic timing, and the British actress Lily James, who brought a fresh energy to period dramas. The name also connects to the Scottish island of Lismore, whose Gaelic name *Lios Mòr* means "great garden" – a fitting link to a floral name. Lily has been a consistent favourite in Scotland since the 1990s, often appearing alongside its elegant variant Lillian.