Explore the Family Name Lillywhite
The meaning of Lillywhite
1. English: nickname for someone with a complexion that was as ‘white as a lily’ (Middle English lilie). It was one much prized among the upper classes, distinguishing them from the brown complexions of the lower classes, who earned their living outdoors. 2. Possibly an Americanized form (translation into English) of German Lilienweiss, a nickname, see above.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Lillywhite in the United States?
According to the Decennial U.S. Census data, the surname Lillywhite has seen an increase in popularity over the past decade. In 2000, it ranked 63,450th in terms of commonality but jumped to the 55,619th position by 2010, a rise of 12.34%. The total count of individuals with this surname also rose from 294 in 2000 to 369 in 2010, signifying a growth rate of 25.51%. The proportion of this surname per 100k population also increased by 18.18% during this period.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #63,450 | #55,619 | 12.34% |
| Count | 294 | 369 | 25.51% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.11 | 0.13 | 18.18% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Lillywhite
The ethnic identity associated with the surname Lillywhite has also experienced changes according to the Decennial U.S. Census. In 2010, there was a noticeable shift with an increase in the Hispanic and multi-racial communities bearing this surname. Compared to 2000, the percentage of Hispanics increased by 31.95% and those identifying as two or more races saw a rise of 32.84%. The white group, however, saw a decline of 6.13%. Interestingly, in 2010, some Asian/Pacific Islanders adopted the surname, a change from 2000 when none did. No significant changes were noted within the Black and American Indian and Alaskan Native communities.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 87.76% | 82.38% | -6.13% |
| Hispanic | 9.86% | 13.01% | 31.95% |
| Two or More Races | 2.04% | 2.71% | 32.84% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0% | 1.36% | 0% |
| Black | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |