Lenny
Lenny is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Brave lion or strong as a lion.
Origin and history
Lenny is traditionally a diminutive of Leonard, which derives from Germanic elements meaning brave lion. It has long been used as an independent given name in the United States, maintaining a steady, friendly presence. Its modern appeal balances a retro vintage charm with an approachable, casual style.
Popularity in the United States
8,299 babies in the United States have been named Lenny since 1880. It ranks #1325 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1246.
States where it is most popular
- NY (31.1 %)
- CA (21.1 %)
- TX (8.1 %)
- NJ (6.1 %)
- FL (5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 13 |
| 1920-1930 | 41 |
| 1930-1940 | 111 |
| 1940-1950 | 511 |
| 1950-1960 | 994 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,514 |
| 1970-1980 | 1,192 |
| 1980-1990 | 665 |
| 1990-2000 | 495 |
| 2000-2010 | 839 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,195 |
| 2020-2029 | 729 |
Famous people named Lenny
- Lenny Kravitz: musician, singer
- Lenny Wilkens: basketball player, basketball coach
- Lenny Dykstra: baseball player
Fun facts
- Lenny developed as a hypocoristic for Leonard, a name popularized in medieval Europe by Saint Leonard of Noblac.
- While commonly a nickname, thousands of American children have been registered officially with Lenny as their full legal name.