Find out how popular the first name Lyfe has been for the last 18 years (from 2006 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lyfe by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Lyfe is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 72% of people named Lyfe being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 15 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Lyfe.

The history of the first name Lyfe

The name Lyfe is of Old English origin, derived from the word "lif," which means "life" or "existence." It dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period, around the 5th to 11th centuries AD, when it was used as a given name for both males and females.

In ancient Germanic cultures, the concept of life was deeply revered, and names associated with it were believed to carry powerful symbolism and meaning. The name Lyfe was likely bestowed upon children as a wish for a long and prosperous life.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lyfe can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land and property commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The book mentions a landowner named Lyfe in the county of Oxfordshire.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Lyfe maintained its presence, though it was not as common as other Old English names. Notable individuals who bore this name include Lyfe de Weston, a 13th-century English landowner mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of 1199.

During the Renaissance period, the name Lyfe experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly among the nobility and upper classes. One notable figure was Lyfe Plantagenet, a courtier and cousin of King Henry VII, who lived in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

In the 17th century, Lyfe Widdowes, a British merchant and explorer, gained recognition for his travels to the East Indies and his writings on the region's culture and trade.

Another individual of note was Lyfe Wilkinson, a prominent Quaker minister and author who lived in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His influential works on Quaker beliefs and practices made a significant impact on the religious movement.

Moving into the 19th century, Lyfe Browne was a notable English artist and engraver, renowned for his intricate and detailed works depicting landscapes and historical scenes.

While the name Lyfe has become less common in modern times, it continues to carry a deep connection to its Old English roots, symbolizing the enduring value of life itself.

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 Lyfe was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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