The correct spelling for the flower is lily, with one l in the middle. Lilly is also a valid spelling of a person’s name, but it is not the standard spelling of the flower.
The difference is simple: use lily when talking about the plant, and use Lily or Lilly when referring to a person, depending on how their name is spelled.
Lily vs. Lilly: What’s the Difference?
Although lily and lilly look similar and are usually pronounced the same, they have different uses in standard English.
| Spelling | Correct use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lily | The flower or a person’s name | A lily bloomed in the garden. |
| Lilly | A person’s name or surname | Lilly joined the meeting. |
The key difference is that lily is the standard dictionary spelling of the flower, while Lilly is an accepted spelling of a personal name.
Lily as the Flower
A lily is a flowering plant known for its attractive blooms. Lilies come in different colors and varieties, including white, pink, orange, and yellow.
When referring to the plant, always use lily in standard English.
Examples:
- The white lily looked beautiful in the vase.
- She planted a lily beside the garden path.
- Pink lilies decorated the wedding reception.
- My grandmother grows lilies in her backyard.
In each example, lily or lilies refers to the flower.
Writing lilly flower instead of lily flower is a spelling error in standard English.
Lily and Lilly as Personal Names
Both Lily and Lilly can be correct when used as a person’s name.
Lily is a familiar given name and is also the name of the flower. Lilly is an established alternative spelling of the name.
For example:
- Lily is my younger sister.
- Lilly starts her new job on Monday.
- I sent a birthday card to Lily.
- Lilly invited us to her graduation party.
All four sentences can be correct because personal names follow the spelling chosen for the individual.
If someone’s name is Lilly, do not change it to Lily just because the latter is the standard spelling of the flower.
How to Spell Lily Correctly
If you are wondering how to spell lily, remember these four letters: L-I-L-Y.
The word begins with li, followed by another l and the letter y. It does not have two consecutive l’s in the middle.
Here are the standard forms:
- Singular: lily
- Plural: lilies
- Flower-related phrase: lily flower
- Multiple flowers: lily flowers
Notice that the plural changes from y to ies. Therefore, lilies is correct, not lilys or lillies.
Examples:
- One lily grew near the fence.
- Three lilies bloomed in the same pot.
- The florist arranged several lilies in a bouquet.
This spelling rule helps you avoid mistakes when writing about flowers in school assignments, emails, gardening articles, or everyday conversations.
Lily or Lilly Flower Spelling: Examples
The easiest way to understand the difference between these spellings is to compare them in context.
When referring to a flower:
- Correct: The lily needs enough sunlight.
- Incorrect: The lilly needs enough sunlight.
- Correct: She bought a bouquet of lilies.
- Incorrect: She bought a bouquet of lillies.
When referring to a person:
- Correct: Lily will call you this evening.
- Correct: Lilly will call you this evening.
Both name spellings are acceptable when they match the person’s actual name.
When referring to a business or brand:
A business or brand may use Lilly as part of its official name. In that situation, preserve the registered or established spelling rather than replacing it with Lily. The same principle applies to surnames and other proper nouns.
Is Lily or Lilly the British or American Spelling?
Neither spelling represents a difference between American and British English. In both varieties of English, lily is the standard spelling for the flower.
| Context | American English | British English |
|---|---|---|
| One flower | lily | lily |
| More than one | lilies | lilies |
| Personal name | Lily or Lilly | Lily or Lilly |
A person may use either name spelling in either country. However, Lilly does not become the standard spelling of the flower simply because someone uses British English.
An Easy Way to Remember the Difference
Use this simple rule:
Flower = lily. Person’s name = Lily or Lilly.
If you are writing about a plant, choose lily. If you are writing about a person, check the correct spelling of their name.
You can also remember the plural rule: one lily, two lilies.
Once you separate the flower’s spelling from personal names, it becomes much easier to choose the correct form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it lily or lilly?
Lily is the standard spelling when referring to the flower. Lilly is a valid alternative spelling of a person’s name.
Is Lilly a correct spelling?
Yes. Lilly is a recognized spelling of a personal name and can also appear in surnames and brand names. However, lily is the standard spelling of the flower.
How do you spell lily flower?
The correct spelling is lily flower, with one l in the middle of lily. The plural is lilies.
Are Lily and Lilly pronounced the same?
They are usually pronounced the same way: LIL-ee. The spelling difference does not normally change the pronunciation.
Is Lilly the British spelling of Lily?
No. American and British English both use lily for the flower. Lilly is an alternative personal-name spelling, not a regional spelling of the plant.
What is the plural of lily?
The plural is lilies. For example, you might write, “The garden is full of lilies.” The forms lilys and lillies are not the standard plural spellings of the flower.
Final Verdict: Lily or Lilly?
Use lily when referring to the flower. Use Lily or Lilly when referring to a person, depending on their actual name.
The distinction is straightforward: lily is the standard flower spelling in both American and British English, while Lilly is an accepted personal-name variant. Remember this rule, and you can avoid the most common spelling mistakes.