| Meaning | young lion, little lion |
| Origin | English, French |
| Gender | Boy |
| Popularity | Moderate |
| Length | 6 |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Syllabification | Li-o-nel |
The name Lionel has a rich history and carries a strong, regal meaning. Derived from the Old French name Leon, meaning "lion" or "lion-like," it embodies the qualities of courage, strength, and leadership associated with the king of beasts.
Parents looking for a name that exudes majesty and power often find Lionel appealing. The name's elegance and charm have attracted people worldwide for centuries, making it a timeless choice. Its versatility is also showcased by various variations like Leonel and Lyonel, providing options for those seeking a unique twist on a classic name.
Throughout history, many influential figures have borne the name Lionel, including renowned sportsmen, musicians, actors, and politicians. Moreover, the name has found a place in fiction, with beloved characters gracing the pages of books and entertaining audiences on screen.
Choosing Lionel as a baby boy's name bestows upon him a sense of strength and nobility from the very beginning, setting the stage for a life filled with courage and determination. As a name with such powerful symbolism, Lionel remains an exceptional choice for parents seeking a name that leaves a lasting impact.
| Leo |
| Lion |
| Nel |
| Lionel Messi | Argentine professional footballer, widely considered one of the greatest players of all time |
| Lionel Richie | American singer-songwriter and music producer |
| Lionel Barrymore | American actor from the early 20th century |
| Lionel Hampton | American jazz vibraphonist, pianist, and bandleader |
| Lionel Stander | American actor known for his roles in classic films and TV shows |
| Lionel Atwill | English actor with a successful Hollywood career in the 1930s and 1940s |
| Lionel Jospin | Former Prime Minister of France |
| Lionel Mapoe | South African rugby player |
| Lionel Hollins | Former NBA player and coach |
| Lionel Van Praag | Australian speedway rider and world champion |
| Lionel Aldridge | American football player, part of the Green Bay Packers' Super Bowl teams |
| Lionel Batiste | American jazz and blues musician |
| Lionel Conacher | Canadian athlete and politician |
| Lionel Cox | Belgian sport shooter and Olympic gold medalist |
| Lionel Tate | Youngest American sentenced to life in prison for murder - later released |
| Lionel Johnson | English poet and essayist |
| Lionel Shriver | American author known for her novel "We Need to Talk About Kevin" |
| Lionel Chalmers | American professional basketball player |
| Lionel Blair | English actor, dancer, and television presenter |
| Lionel Tertis | English violist and influential teacher |
| Lionel Luthor | Lex Luthor's father in the Superman comics |
| Lionel Logue | Speech therapist portrayed by Geoffrey Rush in "The King's Speech" |
| Lionel Hutz | Bumbling attorney in "The Simpsons" |
| Lionel Johnson | A character in Neil Gaiman's "Neverwhere" |
| Lionel Starkweather | Antagonist in the video game "Manhunt" |
| Lionel Fusco | Detective in the TV series "Person of Interest" |
| Lionel Twain | Eccentric millionaire in the film "Murder by Death" |
| Lionel Lockridge | Character in the soap opera "Santa Barbara" |
| Lionel Higgins | Character in the movie "Dear White People" |