Rising since 2003, #3,181 for boys today.
Popularity of Lion since 1922
Babies named Lion per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 6 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 23 |
| 2000s | 32 |
| 2010s | 188 |
| 2020s | 199 |
Meaning & origin
Lion is a straightforward word name that has seen a steady increase in usage since the early 2000s. First recorded in the United States in 1922, it remained rare for decades. The name began a noticeable upward trajectory beginning in 2003, and its peak year so far was 2022. In 2025, it ranked 3181st, with an incidence of 1 in 46,164 births. The name is most popular in New York and Texas, reflecting a broader adoption of nature-inspired names in diverse urban areas. Lion fits into a modern trend for short, bold animal names like Wolf and Bear, and its simplicity gives it a distinctive yet accessible feel.
Lion is an English word name, adopted directly from the name of the big cat. It has been used as a given name since the early 20th century, likely inspired by the animal's symbolic qualities of bravery and leadership. Its rise in recent decades parallels a broader trend for bold nature names.
Where Lion is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Li, Leo
Sibling names for Lion
Names that share Lion's style, for a brother or sister.
