Lean is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname Ó Loingsigh, which means "descendant of Loingsech." Loingsech was a chief who lived in the 10th century and was known for his courage and bravery. The name Lean is often associated with the Irish god of healing, Lugh, as it is believed that Lean may have been one of Lugh's many names.
The name Lean has a rich history in Irish folklore and mythology. In some tales, Lean is portrayed as a wise and powerful figure, while in others he is depicted as a trickster or a mischievous spirit. Despite these varied portrayals, the name Lean has always been associated with intelligence, adaptability, and creativity.
Today, Lean is a unisex given name that is popular among parents who wish to honor their Irish heritage or simply appreciate the unique sound and meaning of the name. It is often spelled Lee-an or Leanán, depending on personal preference. While it may not be as common as some other Irish names, such as Patrick or Brendan, Lean has a distinct charm and character that sets it apart from more traditional Irish names.
In summary, Lean is an Irish name with a fascinating history and meaningful significance. It is associated with courage, wisdom, intelligence, adaptability, and creativity, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a unique and powerful name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Lean in the United States, it's clear that its popularity has fluctuated over time. The earliest recorded birth with this name was in 1916, with a total of 5 babies given the name Lean that year.
The next decade saw a similar number of births with this name, with 5 births in 1924 and another 5 in 1929. However, there was a notable increase in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with 8 births each year from 1956 to 1963, reaching a peak of 10 births in 1963.
The popularity of Lean as a baby name seemed to wane again during the late 1960s and early 1970s, with numbers dropping back down to single digits each year. However, it began to pick up steam once more in the late 1970s and early 1980s, reaching a high of 24 births in 1982.
After this peak, Lean's popularity began to decline again, dropping below double digits from 1985 onwards. The name saw another brief spike at the turn of the century, with 13 births recorded in 2007. However, since then it has remained relatively uncommon, with fewer than 10 births each year.
Overall, Lean has been a rare baby name in the United States, with a total of 671 births recorded over the past century. Despite its fluctuations in popularity, Lean remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something different.