Lyle is a name of English origin that has been used for both boys and girls throughout history. It is derived from the Old French word "Lilium," which means "lily." This name was popularized during the Middle Ages through the use of heraldic symbols in coats of arms, where liles were often used to represent purity or chastity.
The name Lyle first appeared as a given name in England in the 14th century. It was typically used for boys at this time and was seen as an aristocratic name due to its association with nobility through heraldic symbols. Over time, however, it began to be used more frequently for girls as well.
One of the most famous bearers of the name Lyle was Lyndsay Hutton Lyle, who was a Scottish poet and historian during the 16th century. He is best known for his work "The Dialogue betwixt Envy and Gloruy," which explores themes of jealousy and pride.
Today, Lyle continues to be used as both a boys' and girls' name in English-speaking countries around the world. While it may not be as popular as some other names, it remains a distinctive choice with a rich history behind it. Parents who choose this name for their child may do so because they appreciate its unique sound or its association with nobility and purity. Regardless of why they chose it, those named Lyle can take pride in knowing that their name has deep roots in history and culture.
The name Lyle has had varying popularity over the years in the United States. From 1888 to 2023, there have been a total of 1008 babies named Lyle at birth. The peak years for the name were from 1914 to 1926, with the highest number of births occurring in 1925 and 1926, with 22 births each year. However, after 1971, the popularity of the name Lyle started to decline, with only a few births each year. In recent years, from 2013 to 2023, there has been a slight increase in the number of babies named Lyle, with 10 births in 2013 and 2014, and 8 or more births every year since then. Despite the fluctuations in popularity, Lyle remains a classic name with a rich history in the United States.