MallowbyNames

Lewellyn

loo-EL-in · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Llewellyn, meaning 'leader' or 'lion-like'.

Peak popularity
1929
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Lewellyn since 1912

Babies named Lewellyn per year in U.S. Social Security records.

61117192019602000Most births 1929GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1910s558
1920s597
1930s1666
1940s742
1950s033
1960s010
1970s00
1980s00
1990s00
2000s00
2010s00
2020s00

Meaning & origin

Lewellyn is a rare Welsh name that peaked in the United States in 1929, reaching its highest rank on record. Despite having over a century of recorded usage since 1912, it has never entered the top 1000 and remains a distinctive choice. The name's trajectory has been stable, suggesting consistent but infrequent use. While its exact meaning is uncertain, it is firmly rooted in Welsh history and shares heritage with the more common spelling Llewellyn, a name associated with medieval princes and enduring Welsh identity.

Lewellyn is a variant spelling of Llewellyn, a name derived from the Welsh elements 'llyw' (leader) and 'eilyn' (like), or possibly from 'llew' (lion) and 'gelyn' (enemy). Historically, it was borne by several medieval Welsh princes, notably Llywelyn the Great. The name has been used in Wales for centuries and spread to English-speaking countries through Welsh immigration and literary influence.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Lew, Llew, Welly

Variants: Llewellyn, Llywelyn

Sibling names for Lewellyn

Names that share Lewellyn's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

L is for Lewellyn, our favorite little boy.

L is for Lewellyn…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Lewellyn's letter becomes Lewellyn's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Lewellyn's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Lewellyn mean?
The meaning is uncertain. It may derive from the Welsh elements for 'leader' or 'lion-like', but exact origins are debated.
How popular is the name Lewellyn today?
Lewellyn is not currently ranked in the top 1000 U.S. names. Its peak popularity was in 1929, when it ranked 751st.
Is Lewellyn a boy's or girl's name?
Lewellyn is almost exclusively used for boys, based on historical U.S. data.