Holding steady.
Popularity of Lenis since 1917
Babies named Lenis per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1922, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lenis's real moment was 1934.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 12 |
| 1920s | 13 | 39 |
| 1930s | 28 | 44 |
| 1940s | 0 | 37 |
| 1950s | 0 | 32 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 6 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 14 | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Lenis is a rare feminine given name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1917. Its peak year of usage was 1934, during the decade of the 1930s when it saw modest but consistent use. Since then, its trajectory has been stable, meaning it has never experienced a surge in popularity. While the exact etymology is uncertain, it likely originated as a diminutive or creative variant of more common names like Lenore or Helen. Despite its rarity, Lenis has a gentle, old-fashioned charm that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet simple name. The name has no strong association with any particular state, as its use has been scattered and infrequent.
Lenis is a name of uncertain origin, first recorded in the United States in 1917. It may be a diminutive or feminine variant of Len, itself a short form of Leonard, or a respelling of Lenice, which is a variant of Janice or a blend of Lenore and Alice. The name saw its peak usage in the 1930s, but has since become rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lenny, Nisi
Variants: Lenice, Lenys
Sibling names for Lenis
Names that share Lenis's style, for a brother or sister.
