Lionel
BoyFrench
Lionel is a boy name of French origin meaning "little lion".
About this name
Gender
Boy
Language
French
Religion
None
Popularity
8 / 100
Syllables
2
Length
6 letters
Meaning
little lion
Etymology
Derived from Old French 'lion' (from Latin 'leo' meaning lion) with the diminutive suffix -el, indicating 'small' or 'young'.
Famous People Named Lionel
- Lionel Messi — Argentine association football player (born 1987)
- Lionel Richie — American singer, songwriter and actor
- Lionel Jospin — 93rd Prime Minister of France (1997–2002)
- Lionel Barrymore — American actor, director, screenwriter (1878–1954)
- Lionel Jeffries — English actor, screenwriter and film director (1926–2010)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lionel
What does the name Lionel mean?
Lionel means "little lion", and is of French origin.
What is the origin of the name Lionel?
Lionel originates from French, commonly used in Western Europe.
Is Lionel a boy or girl name?
Lionel is typically used as a boy name.
What religion is the name Lionel associated with?
Lionel is associated with None.
Are there famous people named Lionel?
Yes — notable people named Lionel include Lionel Messi (Argentine association football player, born 1987), Lionel Richie (American singer), Lionel Jospin (93rd Prime Minister of France, 1997–2002), Lionel Barrymore (American actor, 1878–1954) and Lionel Jeffries (English actor, 1926–2010).
Last updated: June 2026