Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Lionel
BoyFrench, Greek· “little lion”
- Meaning
- little lion
- Origin
- French, Greek
- Pronunciation
- LY-uh-nul
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #659
- US babies 2025
- 419
- Best rank
- #295 (1933)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Lionel
Lionel is a French and Greek name that means “little lion”.
Lionel is a French diminutive of Léon, meaning "little lion," from the Greek leon. In the Arthurian legends, Sir Lionel is a knight of the Round Table and a cousin of Sir Lancelot, which gave the name a chivalric reputation in medieval England. Prince Lionel of Antwerp, a son of King Edward III, bore it too. In modern times it is known through the singer Lionel Richie and the footballer Lionel Messi. The name has a gentle, old-fashioned dignity, and Leo and Lio are friendly nicknames.
Popularity over time
Lionel 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 132 different years. Its best national rank was #295 in 1933, and the most babies received it in 2023, when 609 were named Lionel. In 2025, 419 babies were named Lionel, and it ranked #659 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #363 in 1920, #355 in 1950, #483 in 1980, #1,002 in 2000, #899 in 2010, and #659 in 2025. Of the 33,789 US boys named Lionel since records began, 11% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 3,632 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Ledger, Ridge, Kenzo, Hezekiah, and Kylan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lionel ranked highest in California, Oregon, and Illinois.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #381 | 88 |
| Oregon | #425 | 9 |
| Illinois | #455 | 24 |
| New Jersey | #478 | 16 |
| Nevada | #490 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Lionel is usually pronounced LY-uh-nul, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with L and ends in “-el”.
Middle names for Lionel
A few middle names that flow with Lionel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lionel
Similar names
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nuh-THAN-yuhl
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Noel Unisex
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Lists that include Lionel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lionel mean?
Lionel is a French and Greek name that means “little lion”.
What is the origin of the name Lionel?
Lionel has French and Greek roots. Lionel is a French diminutive of Léon, meaning "little lion," from the Greek leon.
Is Lionel a popular name?
Yes. Lionel ranked #659 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Lionel a boy or girl name?
Lionel is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Lionel?
Lionel is usually pronounced LY-uh-nul. 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