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Lyon Boy

Popularity: #840 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: LEE-on /liːˈɒn/

Origin: French; English

Meaning: French: lion; English: from the city of Lyon

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Lyon has its roots in the Latin word "lionem," which means "lion." This term evolved from the earlier Greek word "leon," which also translates to "lion." The name entered the English language through Old French, where it was adopted as a surname and later as a given name. The association with the lion, a symbol of strength and courage, has contributed to the name's enduring appeal across various cultures and languages.

Historically, the name Lyon has been associated with several notable figures and places. In the medieval period, Lyon was a prominent city in France, known for its significance in trade and culture.

The city itself derives its name from the Latin "Lugdunum," which was established as a Roman colony in the 1st century BCE. The lion has been a heraldic symbol in various European coats of arms, further embedding the name within the cultural and historical tapestry of the region.

Additionally, the name has been borne by various saints and historical figures, contributing to its recognition. Culturally, the lion symbolizes bravery, nobility, and leadership, traits that have made the name Lyon resonate through literature and art.

The name has been used in various literary works and has appeared in heraldry, often representing valor and strength. The diminutive form "Leo," which also means lion, is historically significant and has been widely used in various cultures, reinforcing the lion's symbolic importance.

Overall, the name Lyon carries a rich historical and cultural legacy, rooted in its etymological origins and the powerful symbolism of the lion.

Famous people named Lyon

Lyon Playfair is a chemist best known for his work on the chemical composition of coal and the development of the Playfair process.
Lyon Smith is a musician best known for his contributions to the band The Black Angels.

Fictional characters named Lyon

Lyon is a fictional character from the video game series Fire Emblem. He is a prince of Grado who becomes a key antagonist in Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Lyon was first seen in the United States in 1947. Lyon has ranked as high as #1276 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Georgia. In the past 5 years the name Lyon has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Lyon (2024)

State Births Share
CA 17
39%
TX 13
30%
FL 9
20%
NY 5
11%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19475
19688
19696
19717
19725
19747
19755
19767
19777
19786
19895
19925
19937
19956
19979
199810
199910
20007
200111
20027
20039
200410
20058
200616
200714
200812
200918
201020
201125
201226
201330
201429
201543
201642
201741
201854
201962
202052
202150
202270
202353
202484