Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Lemuel
BoyHebrew· “devoted to God”
- Meaning
- devoted to God
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- LEHM-yoo-uhl
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,030
- US babies 2025
- 74
- Best rank
- #195 (1881)
- Peak year
- 1921
Meaning and origin of Lemuel
Lemuel is a Hebrew name that means “devoted to God”.
Lemuel appears in the Book of Proverbs, where the final chapter records the words of King Lemuel, taught to him by his mother. The Hebrew name is usually interpreted as devoted to God or belonging to God. It was a favorite among English Puritans and in early America, and literature gave it a famous bearer in Lemuel Gulliver, the traveler of Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels. It is said LEHM-yoo-uhl. Today the name feels antique and scholarly, ready for a revival alongside names like Ezekiel and Josiah. Lem and Lemmy are traditional short forms, and Mel is a newer possibility.
Popularity over time
Lemuel has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 94 different years. Its best national rank was #195 in 1881, and the most babies received it in 1921, when 147 were named Lemuel. In 2025, 74 babies were named Lemuel, and it ranked #2,030 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #499 in 1920, #745 in 1950, #1,084 in 1980, #2,036 in 2000, #2,421 in 2010, and #2,030 in 2025. Of the 9,965 US boys named Lemuel since records began, 12% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 1,001 babies. Since 2010, 1,044 more have been named Lemuel.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Merton, Junius, Hardy, Walton, and Elden.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lemuel ranked highest in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #673 | 7 |
| Pennsylvania | #1353 | 5 |
| Texas | #1616 | 11 |
| Florida | #1760 | 6 |
| New York | #1932 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Lemuel is usually pronounced LEHM-yoo-uhl, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with L and ends in “-el”.
Middle names for Lemuel
A few middle names that flow with Lemuel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lemuel
Similar names
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Lists that include Lemuel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lemuel mean?
Lemuel is a Hebrew name that means “devoted to God”.
What is the origin of the name Lemuel?
Lemuel has Hebrew roots. Lemuel appears in the Book of Proverbs, where the final chapter records the words of King Lemuel, taught to him by his mother.
Is Lemuel a popular name?
Not especially. Lemuel ranked #2,030 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Lemuel a boy or girl name?
Lemuel is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Lemuel?
Lemuel is usually pronounced LEHM-yoo-uhl. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings