Lionel
Every Lionel since 1880 — 33,833 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Lionel
Lionel is uncommon for boys in the United States, ranked #659 in 2025 with 419 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 33,833 American babies have been named Lionel. Its peak came in 2023, when 609 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2020s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Lionel stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Lionel year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — | 419 | #659 |
| 2024 | — | — | 529 | #562 |
| 2023 | — | — | 609 | #495 |
| 2022 | — | — | 450 | #622 |
| 2021 | — | — | 410 | #662 |
| 2020 | — | — | 398 | #662 |
| 2019 | — | — | 428 | #631 |
| 2018 | — | — | 418 | #634 |
| 2017 | — | — | 458 | #596 |
| 2016 | — | — | 475 | #583 |
| 2015 | — | — | 405 | #645 |
| 2014 | — | — | 388 | #663 |
| 2013 | — | — | 317 | #739 |
| 2012 | — | — | 275 | #809 |
| 2011 | — | — | 282 | #791 |
| 2010 | — | — | 228 | #899 |
| 2009 | — | — | 173 | #1,075 |
| 2008 | — | — | 161 | #1,135 |
| 2007 | — | — | 151 | #1,174 |
| 2006 | — | — | 137 | #1,226 |
| 2005 | — | — | 144 | #1,135 |
| 2004 | — | — | 122 | #1,242 |
| 2003 | — | — | 128 | #1,170 |
| 2002 | — | — | 122 | #1,164 |
| 2001 | — | — | 154 | #993 |
| 2000 | — | — | 148 | #1,002 |
| 1995 | — | — | 169 | #824 |
| 1990 | — | — | 231 | #666 |
| 1985 | 5 | #11,689 | 401 | #428 |
| 1980 | — | — | 304 | #483 |
| 1975 | — | — | 252 | #504 |
| 1970 | — | — | 239 | #522 |
| 1965 | — | — | 290 | #455 |
| 1960 | — | — | 468 | #364 |
| 1955 | — | — | 323 | #408 |
| 1950 | — | — | 363 | #355 |
| 1945 | — | — | 306 | #345 |
| 1940 | — | — | 260 | #352 |
| 1935 | — | — | 281 | #325 |
| 1930 | — | — | 281 | #330 |
| 1925 | — | — | 309 | #328 |
| 1920 | — | — | 272 | #363 |
| 1915 | — | — | 224 | #359 |
| 1910 | — | — | 33 | #489 |
| 1905 | — | — | 25 | #443 |
| 1900 | — | — | 26 | #451 |
| 1895 | — | — | 19 | #466 |
| 1890 | — | — | 14 | #523 |
| 1885 | — | — | 5 | #1,028 |
| 1880 | — | — | 8 | #718 |
Famous people named Lionel
- Lionel Richie Musician · b. 1949
- Lionel Jospin Politician · b. 1937
- Lionel Logue Actor · 1880–1953
- Lionel of Antwerp, 1st Duke of Clarence Politician · 1338–1368
- Lionel Stander Actor · 1908–1994
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Lionel in 2025?
Lionel ranked #659 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 419 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Lionel?
33,833 babies have been named Lionel in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Lionel most popular?
Lionel peaked in 2023, when 609 newborns received the name.
Is Lionel a boy or girl name?
Lionel is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Lionel rising or falling?
Lionel is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Lionel?
Well-known people named Lionel include Lionel Richie (musician), Lionel Jospin (politician), Lionel Logue (actor).