Lyle is a masculine given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname Lyall, which itself comes from the Old Norse personal name Leifr, meaning "heir" or "descendant." The name was likely brought to Scotland by Viking settlers during the medieval period.
The name Lyle has been used as a given name since at least the 17th century. It gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the Victorian era and has remained a popular choice for parents ever since. Some notable individuals with the name Lyle include American actors Lyle Waggoner and Lyle Lovett, as well as Canadian ice hockey player Lyle Odelein.
Overall, Lyle is a strong and distinctive masculine given name with a rich history and an attractive sound. Its meaning, "heir" or "descendant," adds to its appeal, suggesting strength, continuity, and lineage. While it may not be one of the most commonly used names today, it remains a timeless and elegant choice for parents looking for something unique yet classic.
The name Lyle has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century, with variations in popularity over time. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of births with the name Lyle fluctuated between 6 and 325 per year. The peak occurred in 1917 with 855 births.
Between 1940 and 1960, the popularity of the name Lyle remained relatively stable, with around 600 to 900 babies named Lyle each year. However, starting in the late 1960s, there was a significant decline in its usage. By 1972, only 313 babies were named Lyle, and this number continued to decrease throughout the decade.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, the popularity of the name Lyle began to rebound slightly, with around 200 to 300 births per year. However, since the mid-1990s, there has been another decline in its usage. In recent years, the number of babies named Lyle has fluctuated between 78 and 234 annually.
Overall, from 1880 to 2023, a total of 58,757 babies born in the United States were given the name Lyle. Despite its ups and downs in popularity, Lyle remains a classic name with a rich history and continues to be chosen by parents for their children today.