Log in · Sign up

Lyle Boy

Popularity: #707 · Trend: ↗ Rising

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)

StateBirthsShare
TX 22
13%
CA 18
11%
MI 12
7%
WI 10
6%
OH 10
6%
MN 9
5%
MO 9
5%
NC 9
5%
WA 8
5%
GA 8
5%
IL 7
4%
AZ 6
4%
FL 6
4%
IA 6
4%
MT 6
4%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18807
18816
188212
18837
188412
188513
188612
188717
188822
188918
189022
189131
189229
189329
189448
189540
189635
189739
189856
189942
190049
190160
190248
190366
190474
190561
190693
190776
190875
190972
1910117
1911128
1912325
1913342
1914495
1915719
1916806
1917855
1918993
1919877
1920967
19211,007
19221,055
19231,011
19241,000
19251,012
19261,051
19271,054
1928999
19291,007
1930947
1931944
1932969
1933916
1934939
1935934
1936910
1937875
1938790
1939834
1940864
1941939
1942890
1943884
1944813
1945766
1946859
1947904
1948864
1949835
1950828
1951815
1952897
1953891
1954889
1955821
1956794
1957838
1958770
1959761
1960730
1961659
1962644
1963575
1964515
1965454
1966435
1967377
1968434
1969435
1970465
1971395
1972313
1973287
1974271
1975247
1976221
1977279
1978235
1979246
1980268
1981246
1982224
1983247
1984255
1985246
1986297
1987253
1988248
1989252
1990257
1991179
1992189
1993159
1994149
1995143
1996118
1997122
199897
199993
2000102
2001100
2002107
2003117
200479
200583
2006104
200786
200878
200986
2010101
2011137
2012133
2013168
2014172
2015183
2016208
2017205
2018220
2019235
2020207
2021217
2022209
2023192
2024218