Lem is a name of Welsh origin and it means "helmet" in English. It is believed to have been used as a personal name since the Middle Ages, possibly as a nickname for someone who wore a helmet or had a head that resembled one.
The earliest recorded instance of the name Lem appears in the registers of the University of Oxford, where a certain Lem de Hereford was listed as a student in 1389. It is also found in early Welsh records, such as the census of 1851, which lists several individuals with the name Lem.
Despite its long history and clear meaning, Lem remains a relatively uncommon name today. This may be due to its association with helmets, which could make it seem less appealing or appropriate for some people. Nevertheless, those who do choose the name Lem are likely drawn to its unique sound and Welsh heritage.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Lem has experienced fluctuations in popularity over time in the United States.
The highest number of births with the name Lem occurred in 1917 with 39 births, followed by 1915 with 27 births. However, from 1960 onwards, there were consistently fewer than 10 births each year with the name Lem, indicating a decrease in its popularity during this period.
Overall, there have been a total of 1297 births with the name Lem in the United States since 1880. While it once experienced periods of higher popularity, its usage has become less common in recent decades.