What Does the Name Liliana Mean?
Liliana comes from the classical Latin lilium, 'lily,' the same source as Lily, Lillian, and Lila. In ancient Rome the lily symbolized purity, innocence, and renewal, meanings that carried into the name across the Romance languages.
The Origin & History of Liliana
As an elaborated, three-syllable form of Lily-rooted names, Liliana is common across Italian, Spanish, Polish, and Romanian naming traditions. It is a comparatively new arrival in US Social Security data by historical standards, having gained most of its traction within the last two decades as flower names and Lily variants both trended upward together.
Popularity in the United States
Liliana ranked #78 among US girls' names in 2025, holding a steady place inside the top 100 as one of several Lily-family names — alongside Lily, Lillian, and Lila — that parents have favored in the 2010s and 2020s.
Personality & Traits
Liliana feels romantic, elegant, and a little formal next to the shorter Lily, giving families a full name with graceful nickname options built in.
Famous People Named Liliana
Liliana Segre, an Italian Holocaust survivor and Senator for life in the Italian Senate, is one of the name's most respected contemporary bearers. Italian film director Liliana Cavani is known for her provocative body of work, and actress Liliana Mumy appeared in The Santa Clause film series.
Nicknames & Variations
Lily, Lili, and Ana are common short forms. Related spellings include Liliana's shorter cousin Lilliana, as well as Lilia and Liliane.