Lily vs. Lilly: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 22, 2024
Lily is a type of flowering plant known for its beauty and fragrance, while Lilly is a common feminine given name.
Key Differences
Lily is a term that refers to a genus of flowering plants in the Lilium family, often recognized for their large, prominent, and fragrant flowers. These plants are commonly found in gardens and are celebrated for their aesthetic appeal. Lilly, on the other hand, is a feminine given name. It's a variant of the name Lily, often used to provide a unique spelling or as a diminutive form of Lillian. It's a popular choice for girls' names in many English-speaking countries.
Lily, as a flower, symbolizes purity and refined beauty, and it has a significant place in various cultural and religious contexts. The flower is often associated with spring and renewal. Lilly, the name, carries a sense of elegance and sweetness, often chosen for its delicate and charming sound. It is less common as a name but still holds a place in contemporary naming conventions.
Lily plants are known for their ability to thrive in various climates and are often used in floral arrangements and decorations. They come in many colors, including white, pink, yellow, and orange. Lilly, as a name, may also be seen as a creative spelling choice or a familial tradition. It adds a personalized touch to the classic name Lily, making it distinctive.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Flowering plant
Given name
Symbolism
Purity and beauty
Elegance and sweetness
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Usage
Gardens, floral arrangements
Personal names
Variants
Various species and colors
Alternative spellings (e.g., Lillian)
Cultural significance
Religious and cultural symbols
Popular in English-speaking countries
Lily and Lilly Definitions
Lily
A common choice for decorative floral arrangements.
The centerpiece featured a stunning arrangement of lilies.
Lilly
A name that can be a diminutive form of Lillian.
Lilly is short for Lillian, which was her great-grandmother's name.
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Lily
A perennial plant that comes in various colors.
She planted white lilies along the garden path.
Lilly
A popular choice for girls' names in English-speaking countries.
Lilly was one of the top names in the baby name charts last year.
Lily
A genus of flowering plants from the Lilium family.
The Lilium genus includes many species of lilies.
Lilly
A feminine given name, often a variant of Lily.
Lilly received a beautiful necklace for her birthday.
Lily
A symbol of purity and beauty in many cultures.
The lily is often used in wedding bouquets for its symbolism.
Lilly
An alternative spelling that adds a unique touch to the name Lily.
Lilly prefers the unique spelling of her name over the traditional Lily.
Lily
A flowering plant known for its large, fragrant blooms.
The garden was filled with the scent of blooming lilies.
Lilly
A name chosen for its delicate and charming sound.
They named their daughter Lilly in honor of her grandmother.
Lily
Any of various plants of the genus Lilium, having variously colored, often trumpet-shaped flowers.
Lilly
Obsolete form of lily
Lily
Any of various similar or related plants, such as the daylily or the water lily.
Lily
The flower of any of these plants.
Lily
Any of several flowers in the genus Lilium of the family Liliaceae, which includes a great many ornamental species.
Lily
Any of several species of herbaceous flower which may or may not resemble the genus Lilium in some way, and which are not closely related to it or each other.
Lily
(heraldry) The flower used as a heraldic charge; also commonly used to describe the fleur-de-lis.
Lily
The end of a compass needle that should point north, traditionally often ornamented with the figure of a lily or fleur-de-lis.
Lily
A royal spade in auction bridge.
Lily
(cartomancy) The thirtieth Lenormand card, representing calmness and maturity.
Lily
White (as a racial epithet).
Lily
A plant and flower of the genus Lilium, endogenous bulbous plants, having a regular perianth of six colored pieces, six stamens, and a superior three-celled ovary.
Lily
A name given to handsome flowering plants of several genera, having some resemblance in color or form to a true lily, as Pancratium, Crinum, Amaryllis, Nerine, etc.
Lily
That end of a compass needle which should point to the north; - so called as often ornamented with the figure of a lily or fleur-de-lis.
But sailing further, it veers its lily to the west.
Lily
A royal spade; - usually in pl. See Royal spade, below.
Lily
Any liliaceous plant of the genus Lilium having showy pendulous flowers
FAQs
Are Lily and Lilly related?
Yes, Lilly is a variant of the name Lily, often used as a given name for girls.
What are lilies used for?
Lilies are used in gardens, floral arrangements, and as symbols of purity and beauty in various cultures.
Can lilies be grown in any climate?
Lilies can thrive in various climates, but they prefer well-drained soil and a sunny location.
What does a lily symbolize?
A lily symbolizes purity, beauty, and often renewal or rebirth.
Do lilies have any cultural significance?
Yes, lilies hold significant cultural and religious symbolism, often representing purity and beauty.
How do you care for lilies?
Lilies require well-drained soil, regular watering, and sunlight for optimal growth.
What colors do lilies come in?
Lilies come in many colors, including white, pink, yellow, and orange.
Is there a difference in spelling significance between Lily and Lilly?
Lily refers to the flower, while Lilly is typically used as a name, often as a variant or diminutive of Lily.
Is Lilly a common name?
Yes, Lilly is a popular name in English-speaking countries, though it is a less common variant of Lily.
Is Lilly short for anything?
Yes, Lilly can be short for Lillian.
What is a Lily?
A lily is a flowering plant known for its large, fragrant blooms and is often used in gardens and floral arrangements.
What does the name Lilly mean?
Lilly is a feminine given name, often seen as a variant of the name Lily, symbolizing elegance and sweetness.
What is the origin of the name Lilly?
Lilly is derived from the name Lily, which has roots in the Latin word for the lily flower.
Is Lilly a modern name?
Lilly is a modern variant of the traditional name Lily but has been used for many years.
Are there famous people named Lilly?
Yes, there are several notable people named Lilly, contributing to the name's popularity.
What occasions are lilies commonly used for?
Lilies are commonly used for weddings, funerals, and other significant events.
Is the name Lilly more popular in certain regions?
Lilly is popular in English-speaking countries but can be found globally.
Can lilies be used indoors?
Yes, lilies can be used indoors as cut flowers in arrangements.
What do lilies represent in weddings?
In weddings, lilies often symbolize purity and refined beauty.
Are there different species of lilies?
Yes, there are many species of lilies within the Lilium genus.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
