Lilly

Lily flower, through the English name Lily; also an affectionate form of Elisabeth in Scandinavian usage.

Lilly is a feminine name with a floral reading: in English it is a spelling variant of Lily, the name of the flower. There is another route too. In Scandinavian usage, Lilly can be an affectionate form of Elisabeth, so the flower does not explain every use of the name. The English pronunciation is /ˈlɪl.i/, with two syllables and the emphasis at the beginning. Lily has the same pronunciation. Choosing Lilly therefore changes the written shape rather than adding a sound: the doubled l gives this small name a slightly fuller appearance. The repeated l and light ending lend Lilly a gentle, lilting quality. Its flower connection can feel fresh and unfussy, while the compact sound keeps it close to the intimacy of a pet name. If you enjoy that softness, the main choice between Lilly and Lily may simply be which spelling feels more like yours.

Etymology: Lilly is an English spelling variant of Lily, the flower name. A separate Scandinavian tradition uses it as a short form of Elisabeth.