Lisle is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. The name is derived from the surname Lisle, which has two possible meanings. The first is that it is derived from the town of Lisle in Normandy, France, which was named after the Old French word "lis" meaning "lily." Therefore, Lisle as a given name could have been chosen for its floral and elegant connotations.
Alternatively, Lisle may also be derived from the English surname Lisle, which was originally an occupational name given to a fisherman or someone who worked with fishing nets. This is because the word "lisle" was once used to refer to a type of fine fishing net. In this case, Lisle as a given name might have been chosen for its association with industry and hard work.
The use of Lisle as a given name is relatively rare compared to other names, but it has been used in various parts of the world over the centuries. There are records of people named Lisle dating back to medieval times in England, and the name has also appeared in other English-speaking countries such as the United States.
One notable figure with the surname Lisle was Sir Peter de Lisle, a 14th-century knight who fought in the Hundred Years' War against France. However, it is not clear whether he had any connection to the town of Lisle in Normandy or if his family name was of English occupational origin.
In literature, the name Lisle has been used by various authors throughout history. For example, there is a character named Lisle in Charlotte Brontë's novel "Shirley," published in 1849. The name has also appeared in works by other notable writers such as Henry James and Edith Wharton.
Overall, the name Lisle is an unusual but intriguing choice for a given name, with roots that can be traced back to medieval England or Normandy. Its meanings associated with elegance and industry make it a versatile option for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Lisle has seen a varied number of births in the United States over the years. Between 1885 and 1979, there were a total of 543 babies named Lisle born in the U.S.
The popularity of the name peaked in certain decades with several notable years:
* In 1920, there were 20 births, which was the highest number recorded.
* The decade of the 1920s saw a significant amount of babies named Lisle, with a total of 137 births.
* During the 1950s, there were also quite a few babies named Lisle, with a combined total of 62 births over the ten years.
However, it's clear that the name Lisle was not consistently popular throughout these decades. There are several years where only one or two babies were given this name:
* Between 1885 and 1909, there were only five births recorded.
* From 1937 to 1942, there were just seven babies named Lisle born in total.
Despite these fluctuations, the name Lisle remains a unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon name with a rich history.