Lily written in Chinese
莉莉 is the standard transliteration used for the English name Lily, but as a Chinese personal name it reads more like a direct sound-copy, so it feels foreign rather than natively Chinese.
3 real Chinese names for Lily
These are given names (the part after the family name) that echo the sound of Lily and read naturally to Chinese speakers.
1 · classic
Lìlín
“beautiful jade”
Li-lin keeps Lily’s opening Li- and stays light, soft, and feminine.
2 · warm
Lìníng
“jasmine-like calm”
Li-ning echoes Lily through the first syllable Li and a similarly gentle rhythm.
3 · elegant
Lìyán
“clever and lovely”
Li-yan begins with the same Li sound as Lily, while feeling fully natural in Chinese.
A nickname friends might use
莉莉 Lìlì: a sweet, familiar repeated-sound nickname.
Add a Chinese family name
A full Chinese name puts the family name first: for example 林丽琳 (Lín Lìlín). 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 Lily
Lily comes from the English flower name, ultimately linked to the lily, a symbol of purity, freshness, and beauty.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say Lily in Chinese?
The standard transliteration is 莉莉, pronounced Lìlì. 莉莉 is the standard transliteration used for the English name Lily, but as a Chinese personal name it reads more like a direct sound-copy, so it feels foreign rather than natively Chinese.
What is a good Chinese name for Lily?
Natural options that echo the sound of Lily: 丽琳 (Lìlín, “beautiful jade”); 莉宁 (Lìníng, “jasmine-like calm”); 俐妍 (Lìyán, “clever and lovely”). In a full Chinese name the family name comes first, followed by one of these given names.
How do you write Lily in Chinese characters?
As a transliteration: 莉莉. As a real Chinese given name: for example 丽琳 (丽 = beautiful, graceful, 琳 = fine jade).
Can I use 莉莉 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 · Lillian · Linda · Lisa · Lucia · Lucy · Luna · Lydia
Pinyin generated from the characters; tones shown with marks. Updated 2026-11-05.