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Home › Baby Names Directory › Lionell

Lionell

♂ Boy

Pronounced LY-uh-nel /ˈlaɪ.ə.nɛl/High

Meaning: Lionell is a double-l spelling of Lionel, an Old French diminutive of Leon, from Latin leo, 'lion' — so 'young lion' or 'little lion'. The name entered English through the Arthurian romances and returned to fashion in the twentieth century.Medium

In 30 seconds: Lionell spells Lionel with a second l — Old French for 'young lion', from Latin leo (said 'LY-uh-nel').
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Origin MediumFrench, Latin
MeaningLionell is a double-l spelling of Lionel, an Old French diminutive of Leon, from Latin leo, 'lion' — so 'young lion' or 'little lion'. The name entered English through the Arthurian romances and returned to fashion in the twentieth century.
U.S. rank (2024)#13401 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1960
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,606

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196019152024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Lionell is a variant spelling of Lionel, an Old French pet form of Leon (Latin leo, 'lion'), meaning 'young lion'. It came into English through medieval romance — Sir Lionel of the Round Table — and was borne by Lionel of Antwerp, a son of Edward III. The doubled l is a rarer, older-looking finish (said 'LY-uh-nel').

It appears only rarely in the U.S., well behind Lionel. Rare, regal, and lion-hearted.

Did you know? Sir Lionel rides in the Arthurian romances as a 'young lion' of a knight; centuries later Lionel Richie and Lionel Messi carried the same name to very different fields.
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Lionell — Variant of Lionel < Old French diminutive of Leon, 'young lion'

Variations

LionelLeonelLyonel

Nicknames

LionNell

Famous Bearers

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If you like Lionell…

Lionel— the standard spelling behind it
Leonel— the Spanish cut of the same name
Leon— the parent lion name
Leo— the Latin root inside it

Explore names like Lionell

By themefrenchrespellingclassic-rootedlion

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Lionell mean?

Lionell spells Lionel, an Old French pet form of Leon — from Latin leo, 'lion'. It means 'young lion'.

How do you pronounce Lionell?

It's said LY-uh-nel /ˈlaɪ.ə.nɛl/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Lionell a boy or girl name?

Lionell is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Lionell?

Lionell is a rare name for boys in the U.S.; Lionel is more common.

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