MallowbyNames

Lovell

LUHV-uhl · Beloved; little wolf

2025 rank (boys)
#6,143
Babies named in 2025
14
Peak popularity
1911
2025 frequency
1 in 122,005 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 2016

A 1910s favorite, climbing again.

Popularity of Lovell since 1886

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

153146192019602000Most births 1916GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1880s06
1890s022
1900s1547
1910s119280
1920s167372
1930s134352
1940s83367
1950s52374
1960s22309
1970s12315
1980s6231
1990s5253
2000s0187
2010s5178
2020s12119

Meaning & origin

Lovell is a distinctive name with roots in medieval England. Originally a surname derived from the Old French 'Louvel' (little wolf), it transitioned to occasional first-name use. Its popularity peaked in 1911 at its highest rank on record. After decades of decline, the name has been rising in use since 2016, indicating renewed interest. In the 1910s, Lovell saw moderate usage, and it has been most common in Texas. With a current 1-in-122,005 frequency, it remains a rare choice, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with historical depth.

Lovell is an English surname derived from the Old French given name Louvel, a diminutive of lou, meaning 'wolf.' The name was introduced to England by the Normans and became established as a surname, later used as a first name. Its meaning is often associated with 'beloved' due to its phonetic resemblance to the English word 'love,' but the root meaning is 'little wolf.'

Where Lovell is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Love, Lovie

Variants: Lovel, Lovell

Sibling names for Lovell

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

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

L is for Lovell, our favorite little boy.

L is for Lovell…”

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

Make Lovell's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Lovell mean?
Lovell is derived from the Old French 'Louvel,' a diminutive of 'lou' meaning 'wolf,' so it literally means 'little wolf.' It is also sometimes interpreted as 'beloved' due to its similarity to the word 'love.'
How popular is the name Lovell?
Lovell is currently quite rare. In 2025, it ranked 6,143 with approximately 1 in 122,005 male newborns given the name. Its peak popularity was in 1911.
Is Lovell a boy or girl name?
Lovell is traditionally a masculine name, though it has occasionally been used for girls.