Lyle Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationLYE-uhl / /laɪl/English; Old French
Meaning
English: 'island'; Old French: 'from the island'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Lyle has its roots in the Old French word "l'ile," which translates to "the island." This term was derived from the Latin "insula," meaning "island," and it reflects a geographical significance that was common in medieval France. The name likely entered the English language during the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, when many Old French words and names were adopted into English vernacular. As a result, Lyle can be seen as a linguistic remnant of the cultural and political exchanges that occurred during this period.
Historically, the name Lyle has been associated with various figures and places, particularly in Scotland, where it became a surname. The surname Lyle is believed to have originated from the Scottish Gaelic "lìle," which also means "island." This connection to Scottish heritage is notable, as many surnames from this region have deep historical roots, often linked to clans and local geography. In the 19th century, the name began to be used more frequently as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries, although it was not widely documented until later.
Culturally, Lyle has been associated with themes of isolation and individuality, reflecting the characteristics of an island. This symbolism may have contributed to its appeal as a name, evoking a sense of uniqueness and distinctiveness. Additionally, the name has a diminutive form, "Lylie," which has been used in some contexts, although it is less common. Overall, Lyle carries with it a rich historical and linguistic heritage, rooted in geographical significance and cultural identity.
Trend Summary
Lyle has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable decline since the mid-20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Lail
- Lylee
International Variants
- Léo (French)
- Líle (Irish)
Famous people named Lyle
Lyle Lovett is a singer-songwriter and actor best known for Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, Joshua Judges Ruth, and The Road to Ensenada.
Lyle Alzado was a professional American football player best known for his time with the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos.
Lyle Waggoner was an actor and model best known for The Carol Burnett Show and Wonder Woman.
Fictional characters named Lyle
Lyle is a fictional character from the animated film The Incredibles. He is a member of the superhero team known as the Incredibles, specifically serving as a sidekick to Frozone.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Lyle was first seen in the United States in 1880. Lyle has ranked as high as #331 nationally, which occurred in 1922, and has been most popular in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. In the past 5 years the name Lyle has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Lyle (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 22 | |
CA | 18 | |
MI | 12 | |
WI | 10 | |
OH | 10 | |
MN | 9 | |
MO | 9 | |
NC | 9 | |
WA | 8 | |
GA | 8 | |
IL | 7 | |
AZ | 6 | |
FL | 6 | |
IA | 6 | |
MT | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 7 |
1881 | 6 |
1882 | 12 |
1883 | 7 |
1884 | 12 |
1885 | 13 |
1886 | 12 |
1887 | 17 |
1888 | 22 |
1889 | 18 |
1890 | 22 |
1891 | 31 |
1892 | 29 |
1893 | 29 |
1894 | 48 |
1895 | 40 |
1896 | 35 |
1897 | 39 |
1898 | 56 |
1899 | 42 |
1900 | 49 |
1901 | 60 |
1902 | 48 |
1903 | 66 |
1904 | 74 |
1905 | 61 |
1906 | 93 |
1907 | 76 |
1908 | 75 |
1909 | 72 |
1910 | 117 |
1911 | 128 |
1912 | 325 |
1913 | 342 |
1914 | 495 |
1915 | 719 |
1916 | 806 |
1917 | 855 |
1918 | 993 |
1919 | 877 |
1920 | 967 |
1921 | 1,007 |
1922 | 1,055 |
1923 | 1,011 |
1924 | 1,000 |
1925 | 1,012 |
1926 | 1,051 |
1927 | 1,054 |
1928 | 999 |
1929 | 1,007 |
1930 | 947 |
1931 | 944 |
1932 | 969 |
1933 | 916 |
1934 | 939 |
1935 | 934 |
1936 | 910 |
1937 | 875 |
1938 | 790 |
1939 | 834 |
1940 | 864 |
1941 | 939 |
1942 | 890 |
1943 | 884 |
1944 | 813 |
1945 | 766 |
1946 | 859 |
1947 | 904 |
1948 | 864 |
1949 | 835 |
1950 | 828 |
1951 | 815 |
1952 | 897 |
1953 | 891 |
1954 | 889 |
1955 | 821 |
1956 | 794 |
1957 | 838 |
1958 | 770 |
1959 | 761 |
1960 | 730 |
1961 | 659 |
1962 | 644 |
1963 | 575 |
1964 | 515 |
1965 | 454 |
1966 | 435 |
1967 | 377 |
1968 | 434 |
1969 | 435 |
1970 | 465 |
1971 | 395 |
1972 | 313 |
1973 | 287 |
1974 | 271 |
1975 | 247 |
1976 | 221 |
1977 | 279 |
1978 | 235 |
1979 | 246 |
1980 | 268 |
1981 | 246 |
1982 | 224 |
1983 | 247 |
1984 | 255 |
1985 | 246 |
1986 | 297 |
1987 | 253 |
1988 | 248 |
1989 | 252 |
1990 | 257 |
1991 | 179 |
1992 | 189 |
1993 | 159 |
1994 | 149 |
1995 | 143 |
1996 | 118 |
1997 | 122 |
1998 | 97 |
1999 | 93 |
2000 | 102 |
2001 | 100 |
2002 | 107 |
2003 | 117 |
2004 | 79 |
2005 | 83 |
2006 | 104 |
2007 | 86 |
2008 | 78 |
2009 | 86 |
2010 | 101 |
2011 | 137 |
2012 | 133 |
2013 | 168 |
2014 | 172 |
2015 | 183 |
2016 | 208 |
2017 | 205 |
2018 | 220 |
2019 | 235 |
2020 | 207 |
2021 | 217 |
2022 | 209 |
2023 | 192 |
2024 | 218 |