A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lemuel since 1880
Babies named Lemuel per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lemuel's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 400 |
| 1890s | 255 |
| 1900s | 255 |
| 1910s | 873 |
| 1920s | 1,242 |
| 1930s | 895 |
| 1940s | 865 |
| 1950s | 1,001 |
| 1960s | 882 |
| 1970s | 670 |
| 1980s | 571 |
| 1990s | 533 |
| 2000s | 479 |
| 2010s | 634 |
| 2020s | 410 |
Meaning & origin
Lemuel is a biblical name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'dedicated to God,' appearing in Proverbs 31. Historically more common in the late 19th century, it peaked at rank number 1 in 1881, with its highest usage in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Florida. After declining for much of the 20th century, the name has been rising in popularity since 2008, indicating a modest revival. Its appeal among parents seeking traditional, faith-inspired names with a soft sound and strong heritage contributes to its steady if niche resurgence.
Lemuel is a Hebrew name from the biblical figure mentioned in Proverbs 31. It derives from the Hebrew elements 'lemo' (to) and 'El' (God), meaning 'devoted to God' or 'belonging to God.' The name is found in the Old Testament as a king whom his mother instructed with the sayings in Proverbs 31. It has been used occasionally in English-speaking countries since the Protestant Reformation.
Where Lemuel is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Lemuel” around the world
Where Lemuel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lem
Variants: Lemu'el
Sibling names for Lemuel
Names that share Lemuel's style, for a brother or sister.
