What does Lancelot mean and where does it come from?
Lancelot is a name of Arthurian origin that is most famously associated with Sir Lancelot du Lac, a knight of King Arthur's Round Table in medieval literature. The name itself is thought to derive from the Old French 'Lancelot', meaning 'land (of) the lot'. It conveys a sense of nobility and chivalr
Cultural significance
Lancelot has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of land (of) the lot.
Peak popularity
Reached #1571 in 1908 — currently #8634 in the US.
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Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Lancelot?
Lancelot works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lancelot Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lancelot Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lancelot Mae
Sweet · timeless
Lancelot Claire
French influence · crisp
Lancelot Jane
Literary · strong
Lancelot Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lancelot right now?
Rising fast — up 3061 spots — currently #8634 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8634 | 9 | ▲ up 3061 · +50% births |
| 2022 | #11695 | 6 | ▲ up 1571 · +20% births |
| 2021 | #13266 | 5 | ▼ down 1273 |
| 2020 | #11993 | 5 | ▼ down 4911 · -55% births |
| 2015 | #7082 | 11 | ▼ down 1031 · -21% births |
| 2010 | #6051 | 14 | ▲ up 198 · +17% births |
| 2005 | #6249 | 12 | ▼ down 283 · +9% births |
| 2000 | #5966 | 11 | ▼ down 2088 · -31% births |
| 1995 | #3878 | 16 | ▲ up 566 · +33% births |
| 1990 | #4444 | 12 | ▼ down 44 · +33% births |
| 1985 | #4400 | 9 | ▲ up 158 · +13% births |
| 1980 | #4558 | 8 | ▼ down 836 · -11% births |
| 1975 | #3722 | 9 | ▼ down 641 · +13% births |
| 1965 | #3081 | 8 | ▲ up 534 · +33% births |
| 1955 | #3615 | 6 | — |
The story of Lancelot
Lancelot entered American naming records in 1908 and has been in use for over 116 years. With 597 total births recorded, Lancelot remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3939 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8634 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Lancelot in 1908:
Lancelot by decade
Lancelot peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 16 | |
| 1920s | 16 | |
| 1930s | 6 | |
| 1940s | 16 | |
| 1950s | 23 | |
| 1960s | 37 | |
| 1970s | 52 | |
| 1980s | 110 | |
| 1990s | 114 | |
| 2000s ★ | 115 | |
| 2010s | 82 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Lancelot has only 597 total recorded births since 1908 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Lancelot?
Famous people named Lancelot
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Lancelot (French philosopher)
Lancelot carried this name in the Enlightenment tradition that shaped modern Western thought.
L(
Lancelot (French impressionist artist)
Lancelot used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.
L(
Lancelot (medieval French noble)
Lancelot held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
L(
Lancelot (French author)
Lancelot immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Lancelot?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lancelot also consider these
Common questions about the name Lancelot
What does the name Lancelot mean?
Lancelot means "land (of) the lot" — a name rooted in French tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Lancelot?
Lancelot is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Lancelot have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Lancelot?
Lancelot originates from French tradition. French names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Lancelot?
Lancelot is a three-syllable name pronounced L AE1 N S AH0 L AA2 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Lancelot?
Lancelot pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar French heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.