Lionel is a given name of French origin, derived from the Germanic elements Hliod- which means "famous" or "noble", and -wald which means "rule". The name Lionel therefore means "little famous warrior".
The name has been used since the Middle Ages in France, where it was popular among the nobility. It is believed to have been brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
One of the most notable bearers of the name was Lionel of Antwerp (1338-1368), son of King Edward III of England, who played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War against France. He was known for his bravery and military prowess, which helped to further popularize the name.
Over time, the name Lionel has become more associated with French culture and has been used less frequently in English-speaking countries. However, it remains a classic choice for parents looking for a traditional and elegant name for their son.
According to the statistics provided, the name Lionel has seen a varied level of popularity over time in the United States. The peak year for babies named Lionel was 1981, with a total of 9 newborns sharing this name. Interestingly, this is also the only year between 1921 and 1986 where the number of births exceeded 7.
Prior to this peak, there were consistent periods of lower popularity:
- Between 1921 and 1931, Lionel was given to 5 babies each decade.
- There was another gap from 1958 until 1981 before the popularity spike in the latter year.
After the peak in 1981, the number of newborns named Lionel dropped back down:
- From 1983 to 1986, there were consistently 5 births each year.
Overall, from 1921 to 1986, a total of 44 babies were born with the name Lionel in the United States. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, these statistics indicate that the name Lionel has maintained a consistent presence among newborns throughout this period.