Origin
French origins, derived as a diminutive of 'Lilie' or 'Lilian'. Although not historically present in traditional Australian naming, 'Lilou' has gained popularity in recent years through international influence and was first noted among young families in urban Australia during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Meaning
'Lilou' means 'lily' in French, symbolising purity and innocence. In Australian English contexts, it retains these connotations, often chosen for its melodic sound and floral association.
Pronunciation
/liˈluː/ - La-LOO, with emphasis on the second syllable, typical in Australian English pronunciation, with a clear 'l' sound and elongated 'oo' as in 'zoo'.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Lilo
- Lillou
- Lilie
Nicknames
- Lilu
- Lilu-Lou
Name Days
- Unknown - Not traditionally observed in Australian calendars; however, some French or Catholic calendars might celebrate saints with similar names on 17 July for the feast of Saint Lily. Indigenous and local celebrations do not specify this name.
- N/A for indigenous or Mäori cultural celebrations.
- N/A for Australian or other cultural festivals.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with lilou:
- Charlotte and Lilou
- Amélie and Lilou
- Chloe and Lilou
Fun Facts
- Lilou has become a popular choice among Australian parents seeking European-inspired names.
- The name gained popularity via French children's literature and international celebrities naming their children Lilou.
- It is sometimes used as a hyphenated second name in Australia, such as 'Sophie-Lilou'.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name lilou:
- Playful
- Melodic
- Elegant
- Modern
Aesthetic Qualities
Has a delicate, elegant visual form both in script and print, often associated with floral and soft pastel colour palettes in Australian branding and design.
Geographical Distribution
More common among urban populations in states like New South Wales and Victoria, especially in Sydney and Melbourne, where international influences are more pronounced.
Numerological Significance
Name number is 7, associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thought, commonly linked to introspective and creative personalities in numerology.
Astrological Connections
No direct astrological associations, but given its gentle sound, it is sometimes linked to lunar and water signs, promoting calmness and emotional sensitivity.
Historical Context
While 'Lilou' is a relatively modern name with no significant historical figures, it has been popularised in contemporary culture by figures such as French actresses and in international media. It embodies the trend towards more playful, melodic names in Australian baby naming.
Linguistic Adaptability
Easily adaptable across languages, retaining its phonetic charm in English, French, and other European languages; may be spelled as 'Lilo' or 'Lillou' in various contexts.
Famous People Named lilou
- none specifically notable in Australia, but internationally, singer Lilou is known in France and Europe.
- Various fictional characters in children's books and media have been named Lilou, reinforcing its contemporary appeal.
- Aesthetic and visual appeal focus on its symmetry and soft, flowing vowel sounds, making it visually and phonetically pleasing in Australian print and speech.
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 1 |
2017 | 1 |
2016 | 1 |
2015 | 1 |