What does Lemuel mean and where does it come from?
Lemuel is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the elements 'le' (to) and 'melech' (king), literally meaning 'God is my King.' The name appears in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Proverbs, where it is associated with wise sayings. Historically, it has been a less common name, but has regaine
Cultural significance
Lemuel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is my king.
Peak popularity
Reached #193 in 1881 — currently #2164 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Lemuel?
Lemuel works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lemuel Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lemuel Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lemuel Mae
Sweet · timeless
Lemuel Claire
French influence · crisp
Lemuel Jane
Literary · strong
Lemuel Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lemuel right now?
Falling — down 94 spots — currently #2164 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2164 | 67 | ▼ down 94 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #2070 | 73 | ▲ up 196 · +18% births |
| 2021 | #2266 | 62 | ▼ down 123 · -3% births |
| 2020 | #2143 | 64 | ▼ down 144 · -11% births |
| 2015 | #1999 | 72 | ▲ up 403 · +38% births |
| 2010 | #2402 | 52 | ▲ up 163 · +21% births |
| 2005 | #2565 | 43 | ▼ down 549 · -14% births |
| 2000 | #2016 | 50 | ▼ down 152 · +9% births |
| 1995 | #1864 | 46 | ▼ down 333 · -16% births |
| 1990 | #1531 | 55 | ▼ down 339 · -11% births |
| 1985 | #1192 | 62 | ▼ down 112 · -11% births |
| 1980 | #1080 | 70 | ▼ down 110 · -1% births |
| 1975 | #970 | 71 | ▼ down 40 · -3% births |
| 1970 | #930 | 73 | ▼ down 129 · -15% births |
| 1965 | #801 | 86 | — |
The story of Lemuel
Lemuel has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 9,615 total births recorded, Lemuel remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #208 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #2164 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Lemuel in 1881:
Lemuel by decade
Lemuel peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 400 | |
| 1890s | 255 | |
| 1900s | 255 | |
| 1910s | 873 | |
| 1920s ★ | 1,242 | |
| 1930s | 895 | |
| 1940s | 865 | |
| 1950s | 1,001 | |
| 1960s | 880 | |
| 1970s | 670 | |
| 1980s | 571 | |
| 1990s | 532 | |
| 2000s | 479 | |
| 2010s | 633 | |
| 2020s | 64 | |
💎With 9,615 total births, Lemuel is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Lemuel?
Famous people named Lemuel
L(
Lemuel (historical community leader)
Lemuel led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Lemuel?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lemuel also consider these
How is Lemuel written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Lemuel
What does the name Lemuel mean?
Lemuel means "God is my King" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Lemuel?
Lemuel is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Lemuel?
Lemuel originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Lemuel?
Lemuel is a three-syllable name pronounced L AH0 M UW1 EH1 L. 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 Lemuel?
Lemuel pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.