Lennon
UnisexIrish· “from an Irish surname”
- Meaning
- from an Irish surname (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- LEH-nuhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #214
- US babies 2025
- 1,421
- Best rank
- #214 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Lennon
Lennon is often said to mean “from an Irish surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
Lennon comes from the Irish surname Ó Leannáin, meaning descendant of Leannán. The meaning of Leannán is often given as lover or sweetheart, but the connection is not certain, and other derivations have been suggested. The surname is known worldwide through John Lennon of the Beatles, and much of the name's modern appeal comes from that musical association. In the United States Lennon is now used for both boys and girls, with a creative, laid-back feel. It fits naturally with other musical surname picks like Hendrix and Marley. Len is a possible nickname.
Other spellings with the same sound: Lenin, Lenon.
Famous parents who chose Lennon: Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins (2020). More celebrity baby names
Popularity over time
Lennon first appears in US Social Security records in 1981. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 13 different years, starting in 2013. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #214, and its highest count, 1,421 babies. Use has grown 134% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #12,568 in 2000, #2,355 in 2010, and #214 in 2025. Of the 12,576 US girls named Lennon since records began, 61% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 4,506 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Ellis, Dallas, Palmer, Milan, and Shiloh.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lennon ranked highest in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Maine.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | #31 | 19 |
| South Dakota | #58 | 15 |
| Maine | #63 | 15 |
| Nebraska | #74 | 25 |
| New Hampshire | #85 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Lennon is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 66% of US babies named Lennon were girls and 34% were boys.
Lennon is usually pronounced LEH-nuhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with L and ends in “-on”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Lenin and Lenon.
Middle names for Lennon
A few middle names that flow with Lennon: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lennon
Similar names
Lists that include Lennon
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lennon mean?
Lennon is often said to mean “from an Irish surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Lennon?
Lennon has Irish roots. Lennon comes from the Irish surname Ó Leannáin, meaning descendant of Leannán.
Is Lennon a popular name?
Yes. Lennon ranked #214 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Lennon a boy or girl name?
Lennon is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 66% of US babies named Lennon were girls and 34% were boys.
How do you pronounce Lennon?
Lennon is usually pronounced LEH-nuhn. 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