Lennon Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: LEN-un //ˈlɛnən//
Origin: Irish; English
Meaning: Irish: 'small cloak'; English: 'from the elm tree'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Lennon has its roots in the Irish surname O'Leannain, which is derived from the Gaelic word 'leann', meaning 'sorrow' or 'cloak'. The surname was historically associated with the Gaelic nobility in Ireland and has evolved over centuries through various forms.
The transition from the Gaelic O'Leannain to the anglicized Lennon occurred during the English colonization of Ireland, particularly from the 17th century onward, when many Irish names were adapted to fit English phonetics and spelling conventions. Historically, the name Lennon gained prominence in the 20th century, largely due to the influence of John Lennon, a member of the iconic band The Beatles.
His contributions to music and culture during the 1960s and 1970s left a lasting impact, which in turn brought attention to the name. While John Lennon is a significant figure, the name itself has earlier associations, as surnames often transitioned into first names in various cultures, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Culturally, the name Lennon carries connotations of creativity and artistic expression, largely influenced by its association with music and the counterculture movements of the 20th century. The name's resonance is further enhanced by its melodic quality, making it appealing in various contexts.
Additionally, the name has been used in literature and media, reinforcing its cultural significance. Although Lennon is primarily recognized as a surname, its adoption as a first name reflects a broader trend of using surnames as given names, a practice that has gained traction in contemporary naming conventions.
Fictional characters named Lennon
Lennon is a fictional character from the video game series The Legend of Zelda. He is a member of the group known as the Seven Sages who aids the protagonist in their quest.
Sibling suggestions
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Lennon was first seen in the United States in 1981.
Lennon has ranked as high as #471 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
In the past 5 years the name Lennon has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Lennon (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 86 | |
| TX | 78 | |
| OH | 71 | |
| WI | 60 | |
| TN | 53 | |
| PA | 52 | |
| IL | 47 | |
| NC | 43 | |
| NY | 43 | |
| FL | 42 | |
| GA | 42 | |
| MN | 41 | |
| UT | 38 | |
| CO | 36 | |
| IN | 35 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 6 |
| 1986 | 5 |
| 1991 | 5 |
| 1992 | 5 |
| 1994 | 5 |
| 1995 | 7 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 8 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 7 |
| 2001 | 16 |
| 2002 | 33 |
| 2003 | 15 |
| 2004 | 30 |
| 2005 | 23 |
| 2006 | 35 |
| 2007 | 45 |
| 2008 | 66 |
| 2009 | 63 |
| 2010 | 81 |
| 2011 | 116 |
| 2012 | 133 |
| 2013 | 273 |
| 2014 | 404 |
| 2015 | 606 |
| 2016 | 654 |
| 2017 | 710 |
| 2018 | 728 |
| 2019 | 800 |
| 2020 | 1,078 |
| 2021 | 1,278 |
| 2022 | 1,318 |
| 2023 | 1,257 |
| 2024 | 1,311 |