Lillian written in Chinese
莉莲 is the standard Chinese transliteration used for foreign women named Lillian in dictionaries, subtitles, and news, but as a personal name it still feels recognizably foreign because it is built mainly to match the English sounds.
3 real Chinese names for Lillian
These are given names (the part after the family name) that echo the sound of Lillian and read naturally to Chinese speakers.
1 · warm
Lì'ān
“beautiful and peaceful”
It picks up the Li- opening of Lillian and the soft -an ending in a smooth Chinese way.
2 · elegant
Lìyán
“jasmine-like beauty”
莉 keeps the clear Li sound, while 妍 gives a light ending that echoes the second half of Lillian.
3 · classic
Lìlián
“beautiful lotus”
This is the closest natural Chinese-style echo, matching Li- and the gentle lian-like ending of Lillian.
A nickname friends might use
安安 Ān'ān: a sweet nickname meaning calm and safe.
Add a Chinese family name
A full Chinese name puts the family name first: for example 林丽安 (Lín Lì'ān). Many people choose a Chinese surname that sounds like their own last name, and a given name that carries the element their birth chart lacks.
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Get my free Chinese profile →About the name Lillian
Lillian is an English name that grew from Lily or Elizabeth-related forms and is usually associated with the lily flower, purity, and grace.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say Lillian in Chinese?
The standard transliteration is 莉莲, pronounced Lìlián. 莉莲 is the standard Chinese transliteration used for foreign women named Lillian in dictionaries, subtitles, and news, but as a personal name it still feels recognizably foreign because it is built mainly to match the English sounds.
What is a good Chinese name for Lillian?
Natural options that echo the sound of Lillian: 丽安 (Lì'ān, “beautiful and peaceful”); 莉妍 (Lìyán, “jasmine-like beauty”); 丽莲 (Lìlián, “beautiful lotus”). In a full Chinese name the family name comes first, followed by one of these given names.
How do you write Lillian in Chinese characters?
As a transliteration: 莉莲. As a real Chinese given name: for example 丽安 (丽 = beauty, elegance, 安 = peace, calm).
Can I use 莉莲 as my Chinese name?
You can, but Chinese speakers will read it as a foreign name. Most people who live, study or work with Chinese speakers prefer a short name with a Chinese family name and a meaningful given name.
More girls’ names starting with L
Lainey · Laura · Lauren · Layla · Leah · Leilani · Liliana · Lily · Linda · Lisa · Lucia · Lucy · Luna · Lydia
Pinyin generated from the characters; tones shown with marks. Updated 2026-11-05.