Over the weekend, the world became awash with news that the newest royal baby, Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, was born .
And as Royal Family watchers tend to do, it wasn’t long before fans dove deep into the origins of the new baby’s name and figured out why the Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose it.
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Although some aspects of the child’s name have fairly obvious reference points, fans are convinced that her nickname is a little more subtle in this respect.
Meghan and Harry are proud to welcome a baby girl to their family.
Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor was born at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California on June 4 at 11:40 a.m.
Lili is Meghan and Harry’s second child and the baby sister to the couple’s son, Archie.
But how did the Duke and Duchess of Sussex land on the name?
Of all of Lilibet’s given names, her middle name requires the least explanation.
The name Diana was clearly chosen in honor of Prince Harry’s mother, the late Princess Diana.
Considering that — as the BBC reported — even the couple’s decision to step away from the Royal Family was influenced to some extent by Diana’s memory, it’s hardly surprising that the baby’s name would pay tribute to her.
As for “Lilibet,” that name has a little more significance to the Royal Family than many of us would realize.
According to The Guardian , Queen Elizabeth’s childhood nickname was Lilibet and was derived from her early attempts to say her own name as a toddler.
Although her grandfather King George V started the trend of turning it into her nickname, it spread throughout her family and even the late Prince Philip would call her that from time to time.
Well, it has more to do with Lilibet’s nickname “Lili” and how it alludes to Markle and Ragland’s relationship.
According to Marie Claire , Ragland’s affectionate childhood nickname for Markle was “flower.”
So the Lili nickname was seen as a way for Markle to incorporate her mom’s affections into a name that purely seems like a reference to the Queen on the surface level.
Although her grandfather King George V started the trend of turning it into her nickname, it spread throughout her family.
And it was a nickname that even the late Prince Philip would call her from time to time.
With both of the child’s given names accounted for, it wouldn’t seem like there would be any room to honor anyone else.
However, Insider reported that this hasn’t stopped fans from suggesting that Lilibet’s name is also a subtle reference to Meghan Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland.
But how can that be since it sounds nothing like that name?
Well, it has more to do with Lilibet’s nickname “Lili” and how it alludes to Markle and Ragland’s relationship.
According to Marie Claire , Ragland’s affectionate childhood nickname for Markle was “flower.”
So the Lili nickname was seen as a way for Markle to incorporate her mom’s affections into a name that purely seems like a reference to the Queen on the surface level.
Neither the Duke or the Duchess of Sussex have confirmed this influence on the name, but it’s an interpretation that is bringing fans a lot of joy.
As one said, “I love how Lilibet ‘Lili’ Diana honors several different generations of women.”
The Royal Family also posted a tweet congratulating the couple.
The Royals are delighted with the news of Lilibet’s birth. As the tweet explains, Lilibet is now the 11th great-grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II.
What do you think about Meghan and Harry’s daughter’s name?
Tell us your thoughts on Lilibet! While you’re at it, what’s the story behind how you got your name? Were you named after a relative or for some other meaningful reason?
Let us know in the comments below!
