Rising since 2003, #659 for boys today.
Popularity of Lionel since 1880
Babies named Lionel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 73 |
| 1890s | 176 |
| 1900s | 261 |
| 1910s | 1,726 |
| 1920s | 3,046 |
| 1930s | 2,915 |
| 1940s | 3,067 |
| 1950s | 3,632 |
| 1960s | 3,466 |
| 1970s | 2,426 |
| 1980s | 3,368 |
| 1990s | 1,704 |
| 2000s | 1,440 |
| 2010s | 3,674 |
| 2020s | 2,815 |
Meaning & origin
Lionel is a name with a solid history but an especially contemporary feel. In 2025, it ranked 659th, given to roughly 1 in 4,077 boys, and it has been on a consistent upward trajectory since 2003. Its peak year so far was 2023, suggesting that Lionel is benefiting from a broader revival of classic, slightly formal names. The name is most popular in Oregon, Nevada, and California, regions that often favor stylish yet traditional choices. Lionel's meaning "young lion" and its literary associations give it an air of quiet strength without being heavy-handed. It pairs well with other revived Victorian or medieval names like Arthur, Eleanor, or Oscar, and its nicknames Leo and Lio keep it approachable. For parents wanting a name that is recognizable but not overly common, Lionel offers a sweet spot: distinguished yet friendly, historic yet current.
Lionel is derived from the Old French diminutive "Lionel" or Latin "leonellus," meaning "young lion." It emerged in medieval Europe as a variant of Leon, influenced by the Latin word leo (lion). The name appears in Arthurian legend as Sir Lionel, a knight of the Round Table, and gained popularity in English-speaking countries by the 19th century.
Where Lionel 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.
“Lionel” around the world
Where Lionel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
40
babies in 2024
Quebec
#58
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Leo, Lio, Nell
Sibling names for Lionel
Names that share Lionel's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Lionel
Names whose popularity has moved with Lionel's over the last 50 years.
