Lillie

Lillie is a British surname of English origin, derived from the medieval female given name "Lily", which itself is based on the flower name. The surname Lillie is thus associated with attributes such as purity, beauty, and innocence.

History

The Lillie surname has ancient roots in Britain, dating back to the Middle Ages. It was initially used as a first name, becoming a hereditary surname in later generations. The name likely gained popularity due to the symbolism associated with the lily flower, which was often linked to the Virgin Mary in medieval Christian iconography.

Distribution

The Lillie surname is found throughout the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions such as England, Scotland, and Wales. Over time, some bearers of the surname may have migrated to other parts of the world, particularly to former British colonies such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Notable Bearers

  • Lillie Langtry (1853–1929): An actress and socialite known for her beauty and relationships with prominent figures in Victorian society. Langtry was often referred to as the "Jersey Lily", in reference to her birthplace and the lily flower.
  • Sir John Scott Lillie (1790–1868): A British army officer and inventor, known for his contributions to military technology and tactics during the early 19th century.
  • Gary Lillie (b. 1965): A contemporary British artist renowned for his intricate floral paintings, inspired by the natural beauty of the lily and other flowers.

Variants

Variants of the Lillie surname include Lilly, Liley, and Lilley, reflecting historical variations in spelling and pronunciation.

In modern times, the Lillie surname continues to be a distinguished and recognisable name, symbolising grace and elegance in British culture.

There are approximately 1,297 people named Lillie in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,021st most common surname in Britain. Around 20 in a million people in Britain are named Lillie.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • David
  • George
  • James
  • John
  • Kenneth
  • Mark
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stuart
  • Thomas

Female

  • Alison
  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Doreen
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

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