Find out how popular the first name Lion has been for the last 31 years (from 1993 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lion by gender

Based on the last 31 years of data, Lion is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 41 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Lion.

The history of the first name Lion

The name Lion has its origins in the Old French word "lion," which itself derived from the Latin word "leo." This Latin word traces back to the Ancient Greek word "leon," meaning the majestic feline creature. The name Lion was initially popularized in regions where French culture and language had a strong influence, such as parts of Europe and North Africa.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lion can be found in the late 12th century, with a French knight named Lion de Lusignan. He was a prominent figure during the Third Crusade and served under King Richard I of England. Another notable historical figure with this name was Lion de' Sommi, an Italian Renaissance painter from the late 15th century known for his religious artworks.

In religious texts, the name Lion has symbolic associations with courage, strength, and nobility. In the Bible, the phrase "Lion of Judah" is used as a title for Jesus Christ, reflecting these qualities. The name also appears in various mythological tales and folklore, often representing power and bravery.

One of the most famous individuals named Lion in history was Lion Gardiner, an early English settler in colonial America. He was the founder of the first English settlement on Long Island, New York, in the mid-17th century. Another notable Lion was Lion Feuchtwanger, a German novelist and playwright known for his historical novels, who lived from 1884 to 1958.

In the realm of literature, Lion Feuchtwanger's contemporary, Lion Tolstoy, was a renowned Russian writer and philosopher. His works, such as "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina," are considered masterpieces of world literature. Tolstoy lived from 1828 to 1910.

While not as common as some other names, Lion has endured throughout history, carrying connotations of strength, courage, and a connection to the majestic animal from which it derives its meaning.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Lion was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Lion, please contact us.

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