A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lyle since 1880
Babies named Lyle per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 126 |
| 1890s | 371 |
| 1900s | 674 |
| 1910s | 5,657 |
| 1920s | 10,163 |
| 1930s | 9,058 |
| 1940s | 8,618 |
| 1950s | 8,304 |
| 1960s | 5,259 |
| 1970s | 2,959 |
| 1980s | 2,536 |
| 1990s | 1,506 |
| 2000s | 942 |
| 2010s | 1,762 |
| 2020s | 1,255 |
Meaning & origin
Lyle is a name of uncertain but plausible origin, likely derived from the French surname L'Isle, meaning 'from the island.' It entered use as a given name in the 19th century and reached its peak popularity in 1918. After a long decline, it has been rising again since 2008, a trajectory that suggests a renewed appreciation for short, surname-style names. In the most recent year, Lyle was given to approximately 1 in every 8,095 baby boys, placing it at rank 1046. It has seen particular favor in states such as Maine, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The name's simplicity and strong sound make it a solid choice for parents seeking a traditional yet uncommon name.
Lyle is of debated origin, likely stemming from an Old French surname L'Isle meaning 'the island,' originally a locative name for someone living on or near an island. It was adopted as a given name in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, possibly influenced by the Scottish surname Lyle. The name saw its peak usage in the early 20th century and has experienced a revival in recent decades.
Where Lyle 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.
Sibling names for Lyle
Names that share Lyle's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maeve, Blair, Quinn, Sloane, Brynn, Alta, Verla, Almeta, Laurinda, Loyce, Lynna, Minda, Neoma, Raylene, Ula, Alayne, Anona, Gayleen, Genene, Jodene, Jonita, Lynde, Michelene, Verba, Charlayne, Korene, Larna, Levette, Luree, Lyvonne, Netha, Norlene, Zeda, Alyda, Donda, Gayna, Jolleen, Lylee, Mliss
Brothers: Reid, Grant, Graham, Dale, Neil, Boyd, Baron, Arlon, Collis, Dwaine, Lyndell, Tyrus, Ewing, Gaylan, Kern, Leno, Lerone, Neale, Oree, Veryl, Wray, Audel, Birl, Clete, Denney, Hewitt, Jep, Levell, Chevis, Glendel, Marl
