“Lily” is the correct spelling for the flower and the name, while “lilly” is usually incorrect except in rare proper names.
Many people search for lilly or lily because the words look very similar. When writing a name, a flower description, or a message, it is easy to add an extra L by mistake. This small spelling change can turn a correct word into an error.
The confusion often happens because English has many words with double letters, like happy or letter. People assume lilly follows the same rule. But English spelling does not always work that way.
This article explains the difference between lilly and lily in simple words. You will learn the correct meaning, origin, spelling rules, British vs American usage, common mistakes, real examples, tables, FAQs, and clear advice on which spelling you should use.
Lilly or Lily – Quick Answer
- Lily → ✅ Correct spelling
- Lilly → ❌ Usually incorrect
Example:
- She picked a white lily.
- Her name is Lily.
Meaning of Lily
Lily is both a noun and a proper name.
Lily as a Noun
It refers to a type of flower.
Examples:
- The lily smells sweet.
- Water lilies grow in ponds.
- The garden has pink lilies.
Lily as a Name
It is also a common female name.
Examples:
- Lily is my sister.
- Lily won the prize.
- Her baby’s name is Lily.
Meaning of Lilly
Lilly is not a standard English word.
It appears only in:
- Some family names
- Brand names
- Rare historical spellings
Example:
- Lilly is a surname in some countries.
In normal writing, lilly is a spelling mistake.
Origin of Lily
The word lily comes from:
- Latin: lilium
- Greek: leírion
It has been used for centuries to describe the flower. The spelling lily stayed simple and unchanged over time.
Why “Lilly” Looks Right but Is Wrong
Many English words double the last letter:
- Happy
- Silly
- Belly
This pattern tricks people into writing lilly. But lily does not follow this rule. English spelling is full of exceptions.
British English vs American English
Good news:
There is no difference between British and American English here.
| English Type | Correct Spelling |
| British English | Lily |
| American English | Lily |
| Australian English | Lily |
| Canadian English | Lily |
Lilly is incorrect in all standard English forms.
Lilly vs Lily: Comparison Table
| Feature | Lily | Lilly |
| Correct spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Flower meaning | Yes | No |
| Personal name | Yes | Rare |
| Dictionary word | Yes | No |
| Common usage | Very common | Very rare |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Always use lily unless:
- It is a surname
- It is part of a brand name
For normal writing, stories, school work, and SEO content:
👉 Lily is always correct
Common Mistakes with Lilly or Lily
Mistake 1: Adding extra letters
❌ The lilly is white
✅ The lily is white
Mistake 2: Misspelling names
❌ Her name is Lilly
✅ Her name is Lily
Mistake 3: Assuming “lilly” is informal
❌ Lilly is casual spelling
✅ Lily is the only standard spelling
Lily in Everyday Examples
In Emails
- I bought a lily plant for you.
- Lily, please call me.
In News
- White lilies symbolize peace.
- Actress Lily starred in the film.
On Social Media
- Fresh lilies today 🌸
- Happy birthday, Lily 🎉
In Formal Writing
- The lily represents purity.
- The pond contains water lilies.
Lily in Literature and Culture
The lily often symbolizes:
- Purity
- Beauty
- Peace
- Renewal
It appears in:
- Poetry
- Religious texts
- Art
- Weddings
Because of its strong symbolism, correct spelling matters.
Can Lilly Ever Be Correct?
Yes, but only in rare cases:
- Last names (e.g., Lilly)
- Brand names
- Company names
Outside these uses, lilly is wrong.
Lily vs Similar Words
| Word | Correct | Meaning |
| Lily | ✅ | Flower / name |
| Lilly | ❌ | Not standard |
| Lilies | ✅ | Plural of lily |
| Lili | ❌ | Not English |
Google Trends & Usage Data
Search behavior shows:
- Lily is searched far more than lilly
- Most searches for “lilly” are spelling mistakes
- “Lily flower” and “Lily name” are top queries
This confirms that lily is the correct and expected spelling.
Lily in SEO and Writing
For blogs, articles, and websites:
- Use lily
- Avoid lilly
- Stay consistent
Search engines treat lilly as a typo.
Memory Trick to Remember the Correct Spelling
Think simple:
- One flower, one L in the middle
- Lily = clean and simple
No extra letters needed.
FAQs: Lilly or Lily
1. Is “lilly” ever correct?
Only as a surname or brand name.
2. Is lily British or American?
Both use lily.
3. Is lily a proper noun?
Yes, when used as a name.
4. What is the plural of lily?
Lilies
5. Is lily spelled with double L?
No, only one L in the middle.
6. Why do people spell it lilly?
Because of confusion with other double-letter words.
7. Is lilly in the dictionary?
No, not as a common English word.
Final Verdict
The difference between lilly and lily is simple. Lily is the correct spelling used for the flower and as a name. Lilly is usually a spelling mistake unless it is a proper noun like a surname or brand.
For clear, correct, and professional writing, always choose lily. It is the standard spelling across all types of English and the one readers expect to see. Remember: one flower, one correct spelling.
Flavor or Flavour: Which Spelling Is Correct?
I am Oliver Kentwood, an English author fascinated by the quirks of language. I explore correct and incorrect spellings, helping readers navigate common confusions with clarity and style.
