There is no shortage of boy names that start with L, including some of the most popular of 2023. L names for boys vary from traditional classics to alternative spellings of antiquated names not usually found today.
Let our fun and engaging guide to boy names with L help you find the best one for your little one. You’ll understand the meaning behind each name, along with the many variations that separate a Luke from a Lucas or Lucien. You may even discover a few famous namesakes along the way!
100 Popular Male Names That Start with L
Loads of lovable boy names that start with L are waiting for you to know how amazing they can be.
Lachlan
Lachlan means “from the fjord land” and is an Anglo spelling of the Gaelic Lachlann. It’s made up of “loch,” meaning “lake,” and “lann,” meaning “land.” Lachlan was once used to denote Scandinavians who came from “the land of the lakes.”
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: From the land of lakes
- Pronunciation: LAHK-Lihn
- Variations: Lachlann, Lachlin, Lachlyn
- Namesakes: Lachlan Murdoch, the British-American executive CEO of Fox Corporation. Lachlan Turner, an Australian rugby union player for the Queensland Reds.
- Popularity: Lachlan is rare worldwide and mostly used in Australia, where it ranked 331st in 2014.
Ladislav
Ladislav means “one who owns glory,” as a Czech version of Vladislav. It’s composed of the Slavic “vlad,” meaning “to own,” and “slav,” meaning “glory.”
- Origin: Slavic
- Meaning: Famous
- Pronunciation: LAA-diy-Slaav
- Namesakes: Ladislav Nagy, a Slovak ice hockey player for the Los Angeles Kings. Ladislav Adamec, the prime minister of Czechoslovakia from 1988 to 1989.
- Popularity: Ladislav is rare worldwide, mainly used in Czechia, and ranked 15th in Slovakia in 2014.
Laertes
Laertes means “urging the men” and is best known as the father of Odysseus in Greek mythology. It’s made up of “laos,” meaning “people,” and “eirein,” meaning “to speak.” Laertes is also a central character in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Gathering of the people
- Pronunciation: Lay-EHR-tees
- Variations: Lairtes
- Popularity: Laertes is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Brazil.
Lafayette
Lafayette comes from the French “la faieta,” meaning “beech forest.” Beech trees are traditional symbols of wisdom also central to the alternative meaning “from the land of the beech tree.”
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Faith
- Pronunciation: Laa-faey-EHT
- Variations: Lafaiete, Lafayet
- Namesakes: Lafayette Holbrook, the mayor of Provo, Utah, from 1894 to 1897. Lafayette Ronald Hubbard (known as L. Ron Hubbard), an American author who founded the Church of Scientology.
- Popularity: Lafayette is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Laird
Laird derives from the Middle English “laverd,” meaning “lord.” It also means “lord of the land” as a title of nobility just beneath that of a baron.
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: Landed proprietor
- Pronunciation: LAEYRD
- Variations: Laerd, Lairde
- Namesakes: Laird Barron, an American author and the managing editor of the online magazine Melic Review. Laird Smith, an Australian rules footballer for Richmond.
- Popularity: Laird is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Laith
Laith is another version of the Scottish Leith based on the Gaelic “laith,” meaning “liquid.” In Muslim tradition, Al-Layth ibn Saʿd ibn represents the Laythi school of Islam.
- Origin: Arabic, Scottish
- Meaning: Lion, brave
- Pronunciation: LAAEYTH
- Variations: Laeth, Laethe, Laithe
- Popularity: Laith is rare worldwide and primarily used in Iraq, ranking 103rd in 2014.
Lakshman
Lakshman means “auspicious” and “fortunate one.” It also appears as Laxmana, the brother of Rama, in the Hindu epic story of Ramayana.
- Origin: Indian
- Meaning: Good fortune
- Pronunciation: Laek-SHMAHN
- Variations: Lakshan, Lakshmann
- Namesakes: Lakshman Sen, the ruler of Bengal from 1178 to 1206. Lakshman Singh, a member of the Lok Sabha in the Parliament of India from 1994 to 2009.
- Popularity: Laksman is uncommon worldwide, mostly used in India, and ranked 139th in Sri Lanka in 2014.
Lamont
Lamont is based on the medieval Lagman from the Old Norse Logmaðr. It also means “from the mountain” in French and is one of many boy names with L used by African-Americans.
- Origin: Norse, Scottish
- Meaning: Lawman
- Pronunciation: Laa-MAHNT
- Variations: Lamonte, Lamount
- Namesakes: Lamont Jones, an American basketball player for Semt77 Yalovaspor. Lamont Bentley, an American actor appearing in the UPN sitcom Moesha (1996 to 2001).
- Popularity: Lamont is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,521st in 2014.
Lancelot
Lancelot uses the German root “landa,” meaning “land.” It relates to the more casual Lance and Lancelin, meaning “God-like.” In Arthurian legend, Sir Lancelot is one of King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table.
- Origin: German, French
- Meaning: Servant
- Pronunciation: LAEN-sah-Laat
- Variations: Launcelot
- Namesakes: Sir Lancelot Elphinstone, the 22nd Attorney General of Ceylon from 1924 to 1929. Lancelot Ware, an English barrister who co-founded Mensa in 1946.
- Popularity: Lancelot is rare worldwide, primarily used in Zimbabwe, and ranked 153rd in Guyana in 2014.
Landon
Landon means “long hill” and is more commonly used as a surname. It also means “grassy plain” when first used for someone who came from Landon, England.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Dweller on the hill
- Pronunciation: LAEN-Dahn
- Variations: Langdon, Landen
- Namesakes: Landon Cassill, an American stock car racing driver and winner of the 2008 NASCAR Rookie of the Year. Landon Collins, an American football player for the New York Giants.
- Popularity: Landon is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 73rd for boys in 2021.
Lane
Lane was first an English surname for someone living “near a lane or pathway.” It’s taken from the Old English “lán,” meaning “a strip of land,” and is still used as a street name today.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Passageway
- Pronunciation: LEYN
- Variations: Laine, Layne
- Namesakes: Lane Turner, an American singer-songwriter whose single “Always Wanting More (Breathless)” reached 56th on the Hot Country Songs charts in 2004. Lane Bradford, an American actor known for the series Dragnet.
- Popularity: Lane is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 261st for boys in 2021.
Langley
Langley uses the root “lang,” meaning “long,” and “lēah,” meaning “glade.” In French, Langley denotes an “Englishman” and is the name given to Langley town, Virginia.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From the long meadow
- Pronunciation: LAENG-Liy
- Variations: Langlee, Langlie
- Namesakes: Langley Kirkwood, a South African actor appearing in Mia and the White Lion. Langley Smith, a Canadian Flying Ace during World War I.
- Popularity: Langley is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Langston
Langston is made up of the Old English “lāng,” meaning “long,” and the suffix “-tūn,” meaning “town.” Even with the help of writer Langston Hughes, Langston didn’t rank in the top 1,000 U.S. names until 2013.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Long stone
- Pronunciation: LAENGZ-Tahn
- Variations: Langsten, Langstyn
- Namesakes: Langston Hughes, an American writer during the Harlem Renaissance. Langston Moore, an American football player for the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Popularity: Langston is very rare and is mostly used in the U.S., ranking 1,436th for boys in 2023.
Laramie
Laramie is unique among boy names that start with L since it’s based on Jacques La Ramee, which became Laramie. Laramie also means “protecting hands” and is well-known as the town of Laramie, Wyoming,
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Leafy grove
- Pronunciation: LEY-Raa-miy
- Variations: Laramee, Larami, Laramy
- Namesakes: Laramie Dean, an American guitarist, featured on the “Food Not Bombs” compilation for Amnesty International in 1998.
- Popularity: Laramie is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Laredo
Laredo was a Spanish occupational “L” surname for someone who worked at a “granary.” It’s the name of a town in Texas and is possibly based on the Latin “larida,” meaning “gull,” or a Basque word meaning “beautiful pastures.”
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: Granary worker
- Pronunciation: Leh-REY-dow
- Popularity: Laredo is rare worldwide and primarily used in Mexico.
Laren
Laren is a Scottish form of Lawrence, meaning “laurel” or “sweet bay tree.” In addition to “laurels” symbolizing victory, Laren is the name of two locales in the Netherlands and Holland.
- Origin: Scottish, Spanish
- Meaning: Laurel
- Pronunciation: Laa-RAHN
- Variations: Laron
- Popularity: Laren is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Lark
Lark is the most literal of male names that start with L, referring to the lark bird. It comes from the Middle English “larke” for the pretty little birds known for their lighthearted song.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Songbird
- Pronunciation: LAARK
- Variations: Larka
- Popularity: Lark is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Larry
Larry is an Irish diminutive of Laurence that derives from the Latin Laurentius, meaning “of Laurentum.” It also means “town of bay trees” when based on the Latin “laurus,” for “laurel trees.”
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Crowned with laurel
- Pronunciation: LAA-Riy
- Variations: Lary
- Namesakes: Larry David, an American comedian who created the sitcom Seinfeld. Larry Fine, an American comedian with the Three Stooges.
- Popularity: Larry ranked 539th worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., ranking 946th for boys in 2014.
Lars
Lars represents the Scandinavian variation of Laurence. Based on the Latin “laurus,” it means “laurelled,” meaning to wear a crown of laurel. Lars was once used for Etruscan kings and can welcome your cute baby boy into a life of victory.
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Meaning: From Laurentum
- Pronunciation: LAARZ
- Variations: Larse
- Namesakes: Lars Ulrich, a Danish musician best known as the drummer for Metallica. Lars von Trier, a Danish filmmaker and creator of the Dogme 95 movement.
- Popularity: Lars is uncommon worldwide and mostly used in Sweden, where it ranked 2nd in 2014.
László
László is based on the Slavic Vladislav, meaning “glorious ruler,” which became Ladislav in Hungarian. It’s inspired by the 11th-century King Ladislaus I of Hungary. László has ranked as the top Hungarian boy’s name since 2003.
- Origin: Hungarian
- Meaning: Glorious ruler
- Pronunciation: LAAZ-Low
- Variations: Laslo, Lazlo
- Namesakes: László Kovács, a Hungarian-American cinematographer and winner of three Lifetime Achievement Awards. László Papp, a Hungarian boxer and the first in Olympic history to win three gold medals in a row.
- Popularity: László is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in Hungary, where it was the top name in 2014.
Latrell
Latrell means “eager” and “thunder,” referring to a Norman clan based in Nottinghamshire, England. It’s popular among African-American men when meaning “king’s estate.”
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Noble
- Pronunciation: Laa-TREHL
- Variations: Latrel, Lattrell
- Namesakes: Latrell Mitchell, an Indigenous Australian rugby league footballer for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Latrell Sprewell, an American basketball player for the New York Knicks.
- Popularity: Latrell is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Lautaro
Lautaro originated in the South American Mapuche-Araucanian “lef-traru,” meaning “daring.” It’s inspired by a Mapuche military commander who fought in the Araucanian war in Chile.
- Origin: Mapuche-Araucanian
- Meaning: Swift hawk
- Pronunciation: Laaw-TAA-row
- Variations: Lotharo
- Namesakes: Lautaro Martínez, an Argentine footballer for the Argentina national team. Lautaro Murúa, a Chilean-Argentine actor known for La Raulito.
- Popularity: Lautaro is rare worldwide and primarily used in Chile, ranking 698th in 2014.
Lawrence
Lawrence derives from the Latin Laurentius, meaning “of Laurentium.” It also relates to “laurus,” meaning “a bay tree.” Lawrence ranked in the top 50 U.S. boy’s names from the 1890s to the 1950s.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: From Laurentum
- Pronunciation: LAOR-Ehnts
- Variations: Laurence
- Namesakes: Lawrence Gonzi, the Prime Minister of Malta from 2004 to 2013. Lawrence Naesen, a Belgian cyclist for the AG2R Citroën Team.
- Popularity: Lawrence ranked 806th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,629th for boys in 2023.
Lazarus
Lazarus is a Greek variation of the Hebrew Eleazar, meaning “whom God aids.” In the Bible, Lazarus was raised from the dead, and his name is associated with resurrection.
- Origin: Hebrew, Greek
- Meaning: God has helped
- Pronunciation: LAEZ-ah-Rahs
- Variations: Lasarus, Lazorus
- Namesakes: Lazarus Joseph, a New York State Senator from 1934 to 1945. Kamran Khan (known as Lazarus), an American rapper known for the single “Break the Walls.”
- Popularity: Lazarus is rare worldwide, mainly used in Nigeria, and ranked 88th in Namibia in 2014.
Lebron
Lebron is linked to the Spanish “liebre,” meaning “hare.” It’s best known for basketball player Lebron James, one reason why Lebron is popular among black Americans.
- Origin: French, African
- Meaning: Brown-haired one
- Pronunciation: Leh-BRAHN
- Variations: Labron, Labrun
- Namesakes: LeBron James, an American basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Popularity: Lebron is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Lee
Lee is taken from the Old English “laye,” meaning “clearing in the woods.” It was a geographical surname for someone who lives in or near a meadow. Lee also means “shelter” and is a popular middle name for boys and girls.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Pasture, meadow
- Variations: Ley
- Namesakes: Lee Majors, an American actor known for the series The Six Million Dollar Man (1973 to 1978). Lee DeWyze Jr., an American singer-songwriter who won the ninth season of American Idol.
- Popularity: Lee ranked 637th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., ranking 573rd for boys in 2023.
Legend
Legend is more of a beautiful idea referring to a “semi-mythical story” that’s told repeatedly. To be a legend means to be the ultimate celebrity famous for heroic deeds. Legend means “hero” or “fable” and is one of the most powerful L names for boys.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Story, myth
- Pronunciation: LEH-Jhahnd
- Variations: Ledgend, Legund
- Popularity: Legend is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Egypt.
Leif
Leif means “descendant” and originated with the Norse Leifr. It’s best known for the explorer Leifr Eiríksson and as the son of Erik the Red. Leif isn’t as popular outside Scandinavia but is strong and elegant for an adventurous baby boy.
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Meaning: Heir
- Pronunciation: LEYF
- Variations: Leaf, Leife, Leiff
- Namesakes: Leif Davidsen, a Danish author who won the Danish booksellers award De Gyldne Laurbær in 1991. Leif Linde, the secretary general of the Swedish Social Democratic Party between 1994 and 1996.
- Popularity: Leif is rare worldwide and mostly used in Sweden, where it ranked 22nd in 2014.
Leland
Leland is based on the Middle English “lay” or “ley,” meaning “open field.” It peaked in the early 20th century but is among old-fashioned guy names that start with L making a comeback.
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Meadowland
- Pronunciation: LIY-Lahnd
- Variations: Lelend, Lelund
- Namesakes: Leland D. Melvin, an American NASA astronaut on the Space Shuttle Atlantis on STS-122. Leland Orser, an American actor known for Taken.
- Popularity: Leland is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 729th for boys in 2023.
Lemar
Lemar means “the sea” and “land famous.” It’s associated with the French surnames La Mare and Lemaire, meaning “the pool” and “the sea,” respectively. Lemar also means “sunrise” in Arabic.
- Origin: French, German
- Meaning: The sea
- Pronunciation: Leh-MAAR
- Variations: Lemarr, Lamar
- Namesakes: Lemar Marshall, an American footballer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lemar Obika (known as Lemar), an English singer appearing on the first series of Fame Academy.
- Popularity: Lemar is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the Philippines.
Lemmy
Lemmy is a nickname for the Hebrew Lemuel. It’s the main character’s name in Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels. In Tanzania, Lemmy means “the sun” for children born during the daytime, but your Lemmy can arrive anytime.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Devoted to God
- Pronunciation: LEHM-iy
- Variations: Lemmie
- Namesakes: Ian Kilmister (known as Lemmy), an English musician who founded the rock band Motörhead.
- Popularity: Lemmy is rare worldwide and primarily used in Zambia, where it ranked 467th in 2014.
Lemuel
Lemuel means “devoted to God” and is best known for Lemuel Gulliver of Gulliver’s Travels. In the Bible, Lemuel is a king appearing in Proverbs. It may sound like an odd version of Samuel, but Lemuel can be Lemmy in an instant.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Devoted to God
- Pronunciation: LEHM-yuw-Ahl
- Variations: Lemmuel, Lemyuel
- Namesakes: Lemuel Arnold, the 12th governor of Rhode Island from 1831 to 1833. Lemuel McPherson Christian, a Dominican composer who wrote the national anthem of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
- Popularity: Lemuel is rare worldwide, mainly used in the Philippines, and ranked 467th in Puerto Rico in 2014.
Lennon
Lennon is based on the Gaelic surname Ó Leannáin, meaning “son of Leannáin.” It’s sometimes associated with Ó Lionáin, meaning “descendant of blackbird,” but is also inspired by John Lennon’s surname.
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning: Lover
- Pronunciation: LEHN-ehn
- Variations: Lenon
- Namesakes: Lennon Miller, a Scottish footballer for Motherwell. Lennon Greggains, a Welsh rugby union player for the Dragons.
- Popularity: Lennon is rare worldwide, primarily used in Brazil, and ranked 1,835th in Jamaica in 2014.
Lennox
Lennox means “with many elm trees” and was first a Scottish surname referring to a part of Scotland called the Lennox. In Celtic mythology, elm trees are related to the power of the underworld.
- Origin: Scottish, Gaelic
- Meaning: Elm grove
- Pronunciation: LEHN-ayks
- Variations: Lennix, Lenox, Lenoxe
- Namesakes: Lennox Lewis, an English boxer and a three-time world heavyweight champion. Lennox Sharpe, a Trinidadian musician performing with the Phase II Pan Groove Steel Orchestra.
- Popularity: Lennox is rare worldwide, mostly used in South Africa, and ranked 73rd in Guyana in 2014.
Lenny
Lenny is a vintage short form of Leonard, originating with the Germanic Leonhard. It means “hardy as a lion,” but also means “from Levenach” and “place of elms” when based on Lennox.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Brave as a lion
- Pronunciation: LEHN-iy
- Variations: Lennie
- Namesakes: Lenny Dykstra, an American baseball player for the New York Mets. Lenny Kravitz, an American singer-songwriter and winner of the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance from 1999 to 2002.
- Popularity: Lenny is rare worldwide, mainly used in Indonesia, and ranked 611th in Bolivia in 2014.
Leo
Leo is one of the oldest names for boys that start with L with Latin and Greek origins. Leo is a catchy nickname for traditional male given names like Leonard, Leopold, or Leon.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Lion-hearted
- Pronunciation: LIY-ow
- Variations: Leio
- Namesakes: Leo Messi, an Argentine footballer and captain of the Argentina national team. Leo Burnett, an American advertising executive named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in 1999.
- Popularity: Leo is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 34th for boys in 2023.
Leonard
Leonard derives from the Old German Leonhard, made up of “löwe,” meaning “lion,” and “hardu,” meaning “hardy.” It’s also associated with the Irish surname O’Leannain, meaning “descendent” or “lover.”
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Lion-hardy
- Pronunciation: LEH-Nahrd
- Variations: Leonnard, Leonardo
- Namesakes: Leonard Doroftei, a Romanian boxer and the WBA Lightweight World Champion from 2002 to 2003. Leonard Maltin, an American film critic known for Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide.
- Popularity: Leonard ranked 929th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S.
Leonid
Leonid is the Russian variation of Leonard, meaning “lion.” It’s more directly linked to the Greek Leonidas and is the name of a meteor shower occurring every 33 years. You can still refer to your Leonid as Leo anytime you like.
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Lion
- Pronunciation: LIY-ow-Nahd
- Variations: Lenid, Leonide
- Namesakes: Leonid Brezhnev, the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet between 1960 and 1964. Leonid Taranenko, a Soviet-Belarusian weightlifter and gold medalist at the 1980 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Leonid is uncommon worldwide, mainly used in Russia, and ranked 70th in Moldova in 2014.
Leonidas
Leonidas means “son of a lion” and is the ancient Greek male name that became Leonard. Leonidas the First was a famous king of Sparta who inspired Leonidas as a name going forward.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Lion-like
- Pronunciation: Liy-ow-NIY-Daes
- Variations: Leonid
- Namesakes: Leonidas Burwell, a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada from 1857 to 1866. Leonidas Kavakos, a Greek violinist and a guest conductor with the London Symphony Orchestra.
- Popularity: Leonidas is rare worldwide and primarily used in Burundi, where it ranked 55th in 2014.
Leopold
Leopold comes from the Old German Leudbald and is made up of “leudi,” meaning “people,” and “balda,” meaning “bold.” It also appears as Luitbald and is yet another excuse to have a son nicknamed Leo.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Brave people
- Pronunciation: LIY-ah-Powld
- Variations: Leopolde, Leopoldo
- Namesakes: Leopold Suhodolčan, a Slovene writer and winner of the Levstik Award in 1965. Léopold Senghor, the first president of Senegal from 1960 to 1980.
- Popularity: Leopold is rare worldwide and mostly used in Austria, ranking 77th in 2014.
Leroy
Leroy is based on the French “le roi,” meaning “the king.” Used by kings in England, it peaked at 100th among U.S. boy names in 1949. Leroy is also common in the Netherlands, France, and Germany.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: The king
- Pronunciation: LIY-roy
- Variations: Leeroy, LeRoi, LeRoy, Leroi
- Namesakes: Leroy Van Dyke, an American country music singer known for “The Auctioneer” (1956). Leroy Buchanan, an American basketball player for Ironi Ness Ziona.
- Popularity: Leroy is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 773rd for boys in 2023.
Les
Les is a Scottish nickname for both Leslie and Lester. It also means “from Leicester,” based on the city in England. In some Slavic cultures, Les is a name for someone who “lives in a forest (or a wood).”
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: Holly garden
- Pronunciation: LEHS
- Variations: Less
- Namesakes: Leslie Claypool, an American musician and founder of the band Primus. Les Stroud, a Canadian survival expert and host of the series Survivorman.
- Popularity: Les is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 1,773rd for boys in 2023.
Lester
Lester is an English personal name meaning “from Leicester.” It’s named after Leicester, England, which is over 2,000 years old. Lester itself feels somewhat antiquated as a name, unless you go with Les.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Roman town
- Pronunciation: LEHST-er
- Variations: Lestir, Lestor,
- Namesakes: Lester Bangs, an American music journalist for Rolling Stone magazine. Lester Holt, an American news anchor for the NBC Nightly News.
- Popularity: Lester is rare worldwide, mostly used in the U.S., and ranked 70th in Nicaragua in 2014.
Lev
Lev is the pet form of the Russian equivalent of Leo, meaning “lion.” It also means “heart” in Hebrew. Lev continually ranks in the top 100 names in Russia and the Netherlands.
- Origin: Russian, Hebrew
- Meaning: Lion
- Pronunciation: LEHV
- Variations: Leiv, Levi
- Namesakes: Lev Tolstoy (known as Leo Tolstoy), a Russian writer nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature between 1902 and 1906. Lev L. Spiro, an American director known for the series Modern Family.
- Popularity: Lev is rare worldwide, mainly used in Russia, and ranked 187th in Ukraine in 2014.
Leviticus
Leviticus is one of the books of the Torah and the Bible, referring to the Levites, the nation’s priests. The Levites were one of the 12 tribes of Israel who descended from Levi, a son of Jacob. Leviticus represents the Greek spelling of Levites and is as old as the most ancient biblical story.
- Origin: Hebrew, Greek
- Meaning: Belonging to the Levites
- Pronunciation: Leh-VIH-tah-Kahs
- Variations: Levitikus, Levyticus
- Popularity: Leviticus is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Kenya.
Levon
Levon is an Armenian version of Leo and Leon, meaning “lion.” It appears as Lyon in French and León in Spanish and also means “spice.”
- Origin: Armenian
- Meaning: Lion
- Pronunciation: LIY-Vaon
- Variations: Levyn
- Namesakes: Levon Helm, an American musician in the Band, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Levon Ananyan, an Armenian journalist and the President of the Writers’ Union of Armenia in 2001.
- Popularity: Levon is rare worldwide and mostly used in Armenia, where it ranked 36th in 2014.
Lex
Lex is the ultimate short form for Alexander, while Lexi is usually used for Alexandra. It means “defender of men” after Alexander the Great. Lex is best associated with Lex Luthor, a villain in the Superman comic book series.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Defending man
- Pronunciation: LEHKS
- Variations: Leks
- Namesakes: Lex McLean, a Scottish comedian appearing in the Lex and Lex Again series. Lex Gigeroff, a Canadian TV writer and co-creator of the series Lexx.
- Popularity: Lex is rare worldwide and mainly used in the Netherlands, ranking 373rd in 2014.
Liam
Liam is the much-beloved Irish nickname for William, meaning “helmet of will.” It means “strong-willed warrior” and refers to the people of Ireland when based on Ulliam, the Irish William.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Protection
- Pronunciation: LIY-ahm
- Namesakes: Liam Hemsworth, an Australian actor appearing in The Hunger Games film series. Liam Walsh, an Irish hurler and winner of the 1992 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.
- Popularity: Liam is rare worldwide, primarily used in England, and ranked number one for boys in the U.S. in 2023.
Liberio
Liberio is a Spanish male version of Liberty, originating with the Latin “liber.” Liberio also means “freedom” and “free man” and is used in South American countries to symbolize all things free.
- Origin: Latin, Spanish
- Meaning: Free
- Pronunciation: Liy-BEY-riy-Ow
- Variations: Liberto, Libero
- Popularity: Liberio is very rare worldwide, mostly used in Brazil, and ranked 1,252nd in Ecuador in 2014.
Liberty
Liberty derives from the Latin “libertus,” meaning “freedman.” It symbolizes emancipation, best represented by the Statue of Liberty. In Roman mythology, Libertas is the Roman personification of freedom.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Free
- Pronunciation: LIH-ber-Tiy
- Variations: Libertey, Libertie
- Namesakes: Liberty Bailey, an American horticulturist and the American Society for Horticultural Science cofounder. Liberatori “Liberty” DeVitto, an American drummer for Billy Joel’s band.
- Popularity: Liberty is rare worldwide, mainly used in the Philippines, and ranked 652nd in Zimbabwe in 2014.
Libor
Libor is the Czech form of the original Latin Liberius. Some say it’s based on “libare,” meaning “sacrifice,” or “liborius,” meaning “free.” Libor is still very popular in Czechia but rarely used elsewhere.
- Origin: Czech
- Meaning: Free
- Pronunciation: LIY-Bohr
- Namesakes: Libor Hájek, a Czech ice hockey player for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Libor Rouček, a member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs from 2002 to 2004.
- Popularity: Libor is rare worldwide and primarily used in Czechia, where it ranked 88th in 2014.
Lilo
Lilo means “generous one” in German and Hawaiian, but it’s used more for girls. Lilo is short for Liselotte and is best known as the title character in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch.
- Origin: German, Hawaiian
- Meaning: Generous one
- Pronunciation: LIY-low
- Variations: Leelo, Leilo
- Namesakes: Murilo Barbosa (known as Lilo), a Brazilian footballer for Alpha United.
- Popularity: Lilo is rare worldwide and mostly used in Germany, ranking 465th in 2014.
Limerick
Limerick was first the name for someone from the county of Limerick in Ireland. It first appeared as Luimneach in the 11th-century but is also known as an often off-color poem of five lines.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Bare area
- Pronunciation: LIM-uh-Rik
- Popularity: Limerick is extremely rare worldwide, with 19 known occurrences in 2014, mainly in the U.S.
Lincoln
Lincoln means “town by the pool” and “settler by the lake.” It’s made up of the Old English “lynn,” meaning “lake” and the Latin “colonia,” meaning “colony.” Lincoln wouldn’t appear among male names that start with L without the famous Abraham Lincoln.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Lake colony
- Pronunciation: LIHNGK-ahn
- Variations: Linken, Linkoln
- Namesakes: Lincoln Peirce, an American cartoonist and creator of the Big Nate comic strip. Lincoln Williams, an Australian volleyball player for Incheon Korean Air Jumbos.
- Popularity: Lincoln is rare worldwide, primarily used in Brazil, and ranked 62nd for boys in the U.S. in 2023.
Linden
Linden means “lime wood” and can refer to “linden tree hill.” The linden is a tree where bees love to take up shop in its branches. Linden peaked for U.S. boys at 921st in 1947.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From Linwood
- Pronunciation: LIHN-Dehn
- Variations: Lyndon
- Namesakes: Linden Soles, a Canadian news anchor on CNN. Linden Jones, a Welsh former footballer for Cardiff City.
- Popularity: Linden is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,735th in 2023.
Lindsay
Lindsay refers to “Lincoln’s marsh” and began use as a personal name for boys in the 19th- and 20th centuries. Lindsay is mainly given to girls but still counts among L names for boys in Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Island of linden trees
- Pronunciation: LIHND-Ziy
- Variations: Lindsy, Lyndsey, Lindsey, Lyndsay
- Namesakes: Lindsay Tait, a New Zealand basketball player for the Victoria Giants. Lindsay Sloper, an English pianist who performed at the Royal Philharmonic Society (1849).
- Popularity: Lindsay is uncommon worldwide, mainly used in the U.S., and ranked 56th in New Zealand in 2014.
Lindy
Lindy is a 5-letter nickname for boy names with L like Lindsay and Lyndon. It also means “Linden tree hill” and “beautiful” for girls when based on Linda. Lindy is used in countries like Australia, where Lindsay is still considered a boy’s name.
- Origin: English, Spanish
- Meaning: Linden tree mountain
- Pronunciation: LIHN-Diy
- Variations: Lindi, Lindie
- Namesakes: Lindy Kasperski, a member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan from 1995 to 2003. Lindy Ruff, a Canadian ice hockey coach for the New Jersey Devils.
- Popularity: Lindy is rare worldwide, primarily used in the U.S., and ranked 589th in Australia in 2014.
Link
Link may be related to the Gaelic “linne,” meaning “pond.” It’s also a German and Jewish nickname for someone left-handed. A modern example of Link is as a character in The Legend of Zelda video game.
- Origin: English, Gaelic
- Meaning: Man who lives near the pond
- Pronunciation: LIHNGK
- Variations: Linc, Lync, Lynk
- Popularity: Link is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Linneus
Linnaeus is a mostly Swedish boy’s name meaning “a blue twinflower.” It’s also based on the Swedish “lind,” for “linden tree.” Linneus is inspired by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus after whom the linden tree is named.
- Origin: Swedish, Latin
- Meaning: Lime tree
- Pronunciation: Lih-NEY-uhs
- Variations: Linus
- Popularity: Linneus is extremely rare worldwide, with just 14 known occurrences in 2014, mainly in the U.S.
Lino
Lino is a Spanish and Italian variation of Linus, meaning “flax,” the material used for making linen. In Italian, Lino means “angel” or “messenger” as a nickname for Angelino.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Flax
- Pronunciation: LIY-Now
- Namesakes: Lino Facioli, a Brazilian-British actor known for Game of Thrones. Lino Urdaneta, a Venezuelan baseball player for the New York Mets.
- Popularity: Lino is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in Italy, ranking 195th in 2014.
Linus
Linus derives from the Greek Linos, the son of Apollo and Hercules’ music teacher in Greek mythology. It also means “lamentation,” when based on the Greek “aílinon.”
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Flax
- Pronunciation: LAEY-Nahs
- Variations: Lynus
- Namesakes: Linus Arnesson, a Swedish ice hockey player for the Boston Bruins. Linus B. Comins, a U.S. House of Representatives member from 1855 to 1859.
- Popularity: Linus is rare worldwide, primarily used in Nigeria, and ranked 162nd for boys in the U.S. in 2023.
Lionel
Lionel comes from the French “lion,” for “lion,” the proud king of the jungle. Adding the diminutive suffix “-el” could make your lion into an adorable little cub.
- Origin: French, Latin
- Meaning: Little lion
- Pronunciation: LAEY-Onehl
- Variations: Lional, Lionnel
- Namesakes: Lionel Richie, an American musician and former singer of the Commodores. Lionel Jospin, the Prime Minister of France from 1997 to 2002.
- Popularity: Lionel is uncommon worldwide and mostly used in France, where it ranked 121st in 2014.
Lior
Lior has many related meanings in Hebrew, from “light for me” and “my light” to “I have light.” Lior also becomes Leora for a baby girl who’s full of light.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: My light
- Pronunciation: Liy-AOR
- Variations: Leeor, Leor, Lyor
- Namesakes: Lior Raz, an Israeli actor appearing in Hit & Run. Lior Arditti, an Israeli basketball player, and gold medalist at the 1989 Maccabiah Games.
- Popularity: Lior is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Lir
Lir is the Irish god of the sea, also called Ler, who is the father of Manannán mac Lir. It’s called Llyr in Welsh and means “mythical king” in Sanskrit. Some even associate Shapkespeare’s King Lear with Lir.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: The sea
- Pronunciation: LIYR
- Popularity: Lir is very rare worldwide and primarily used in India.
Liron
Liron means “joy for me” and “my song” or “my joy” in Hebrew. It’s also an Albanian boy’s name meaning “freeing” or “free” for young boys with their own song to sing.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: My song
- Pronunciation: Liy-RAAN
- Variations: Leron
- Namesakes: Liron Vilner, an Israeli footballer for Maccabi HaShikma Ramat Hen, Liron Zarko, an Israeli footballer for Chongqing Lifan.
- Popularity: Liron is rare worldwide and mostly used in Israel, ranking 163rd in 2014.
Litton
Litton originated as an English surname for someone living on a “settlement on a hill.” Litton is rarely used as a first name but is as unique as they come among guy names that start with L.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Hill Settlement
- Pronunciation: LIHT-ahn
- Variations: Lytton
- Popularity: Litton is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Bangladesh.
Livingston
Livingston is associated with the Scottish location in Lothian, first called Levingston. It’s made up of the given name Leving plus the Middle English “toun,” meaning “town.”
- Origin: English, Scottish
- Meaning: Leofwine’s settlement
- Pronunciation: LIHV-ihng-Stahn
- Variations: Livingsten, Livingstun
- Namesakes: Livingston Taylor, an American singer-songwriter known for “I Will Be In Love With You.” Livingston L. Biddle Jr., the third chairman of the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts from 1977 to 1981.
- Popularity: Livingston is very rare worldwide, primarily used in Uganda, and ranked 488th in the Bahamas in 2014.
Llewellyn
Llewellyn means “leader’s image” in Welsh and “like a lion.” It’s famously associated with two 13th-century Welsh princes: Llywelyn the Great and Llywelyn the Last.
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Like a lion
- Pronunciation: loo-EHL-in, Hhluw-EH-Lihn
- Variations: Llewellen, Llewelleyn, Llewelyn
- Namesakes: Llewellyn Smith, a European Parliament for South Wales East member from 1984 to 1994. Llewelyn Kenrick, the founder of the Football Association of Wales.
- Popularity: Llewellyn is rare worldwide, mostly used in South Africa, and ranked 540th in Barbados in 2014.
Lloyd
Lloyd means “gray-haired” or “sacred” in Welsh. It may be a name once given to any older, wise person and is most common as a last name these days.
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Gray
- Pronunciation: LOYD
- Variations: Loyd, Loyde
- Namesakes: Lloyd Bridges, an American actor with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994. Lloyd Robertson, a Canadian news anchor on CTV’s series W5.
- Popularity: Lloyd is uncommon worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,735th for boys in 2023.
Loche
Loche began as a French surname, meaning “enclosure” or “fortified place.” Loche is another variation of the Scottish Lachlan and Locke that points to its many lakes.
- Origin: Scottish, Gaelic
- Meaning: Lake
- Pronunciation: LAAK
- Variations: Loch, Locke
- Popularity: Loche is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the Philippines.
Lochlan
Lochlan is made up of the Gaelic “loch,” meaning “lake,” and “lann,” meaning “land.” It was first an Irish surname given to those with Scandinavian (Norse) heritage. Lochlan was also used for boys blessed with red hair.
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning: Land of the lakes
- Pronunciation: LAAK-lahn
- Variations: Lachlan, Lochlann
- Popularity: Lochlan is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Australia.
Logan
Logan derives from the Scottish Gaelic “lag,” meaning “hollow.” It also means “a rocking stone” and “an enclosed plain.” Logan ranked 5th for U.S. boys in 2017, 3rd in Canada, and 6th in Scotland.
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: Little hollow
- Pronunciation: LOW-Gahn
- Variations: Loghan, Logunn
- Namesakes: Logan Nelson, an American composer. Logan Stieber, an American wrestler who competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Logan is rare worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., ranking 29th for boys in 2023.
Loki
Loki means “airy” or “god of air” when based on the Old Norse “loptr.” Loki is the Norse god of mischief, fire, and magic, who was also a shapeshifter. Loki also means “Yahweh is gracious” for girls but remains one of the coolest 4-letter names for boys that start with L.
- Origin: Norse
- Meaning: God of mischief
- Pronunciation: LOW-Kiy
- Variations: Loky, Lokey
- Namesakes: Darren McGarvey (known as Loki), a Scottish rapper and activist during the Scottish independence referendum in 2014.
- Popularity: Loki is very rare worldwide and primarily used in India.
London
When referring to the capital city of England, London means “fortress of the moon.” It first appeared as Londinium when London was a part of Roman Britain. London is much more popular for girls but is a terrific ode to a beautiful city for boys.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From the great river
- Pronunciation: LAHN-Dahn
- Variations: Londen
- Namesakes: London Fletcher, an American football player for the Washington Redskins. London Holmes, an American rapper who performed with Ariana Grande.
- Popularity: London is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Lonnie
Lonnie is an unusual nickname for two very different names: Alonso and Lawrence. It also means “noble,” and, for girls, Lonnie means “lioness,” “torch,” and “the other Aenor.”
- Origin: German, Spanish
- Meaning: Ready for battle
- Pronunciation: LAAN-iy
- Variations: Lonny,Loney, Lonie
- Namesakes: Lonnie Quinn, an American weather anchor for WCBS-TV in New York City. Leroy “Lonnie” Jordan, an American singer-songwriter and member of the band War.
- Popularity: Lonnie is rare worldwide and mainly used in Denmark, where it ranked 446th in 2014.
Lorcan
Lorcan is taken from the Gaelic “lorcc,” meaning “fierce” or “silent.” Lorcan still feels foreign to those outside Ireland, but it may catch on once people realize how awesome it sounds.
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic
- Meaning: Little fierce one
- Pronunciation: Lorcen, Lorcun
- Variations: LAOR-Kahn
- Namesakes: Lorcan Cranitch, an Irish actor appearing in the 1991 BBC series Parnell and the Englishwoman. Lorcan Allen, an Irish politician in the Fianna Fáil for Wexford from 1961 to 1982.
- Popularity: Lorcan is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Ireland, ranking 416th in 2014.
Loren
Loren is a short form of Laurence and an alternative spelling of Lauren, meaning “laurel” and “from Laurentum.” Loren dates back to the Latin Laurentius and peaked in the U.S. in the top 200 names between 1900 and 1960.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Laurel
- Pronunciation: LAOR-ehn
- Variations: Lorin
- Namesakes: Loren Long, an American children’s book author who won the Golden Kite Award in 2004. Loren Taylor, an American politician on the Oakland City Council from 2019 to 2023.
- Popularity: Loren is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,075th in 2014.
Lorenzo
Lorenzo is one of the most traditional Italian boy names that start with L, meaning “strong” and “victorious.” It means “noble” and “humble” in Spanish and is an Italian equivalent to Lawrence.
- Origin: Italian, Latin
- Meaning: Crowned with laurel
- Pronunciation: Low-REHN-Tsow
- Variations: Laurenzo
- Namesakes: Lorenzo Milá, a Spanish newscaster for Screensport from 1988 to 1989. Lorenzo Cain, an American baseball player for the Kansas City Royals.
- Popularity: Lorenzo ranked 1,121st worldwide and is mainly used in Italy, ranking 172nd in 2014.
Lorimer
Lorimer means “harness maker” since it was first a Scottish occupational name for a “maker and seller of spurs bits.” It’s also associated with the French “lorenier,” from “lorain,” meaning “tackle” or “harness.”
- Origin: Latin, Scottish
- Meaning: Maker of bridles
- Pronunciation: LAWR-ih-Mer
- Popularity: Lorimer is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the Philippines.
Lot
Lot doesn’t feel like an ancient biblical boy’s name but refers to Abraham’s nephew in the Old Testament. It also means “wrapped up” or “hidden,” along with “myrrh” or “rosin.”
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Veil, hidden
- Pronunciation: LAAT
- Variations: Lott
- Namesakes: Lot M. Morrill, the 31st U.S. Secretary of the Treasury from 1876 to 1877. Lot Flannery, an Irish-American sculptor known for the 1868 Abraham Lincoln statue at the District of Columbia City Hall.
- Popularity: Lot is rare worldwide and mostly used in Zimbabwe, where it ranked 836th in 2014.
Louis
Louis is a very old name dating back to the Latin Ludovicus. It also appears as Luigi, Luis, and Ludwig across the globe. Based on the Old German Chlodovech, Louis was the name of almost 20 French kings throughout history.
- Origin: French, Latin
- Meaning: Famous warrior
- Pronunciation: LUW-ihs (English), LUW-iy (French)
- Variations: Louie, Lewis
- Namesakes: Louis Armstrong, an American trumpeter inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2017. Louis Gossett Jr., an American actor and the first black Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actor in 1982.
- Popularity: Louis ranked 469th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., ranking 39th for boys in 2023.
Louvain
Louvain is one of the most obscure male names that start with L, possibly connected to the Belgium Leuven. Louain or Leuven is a town in Belgium, while Louvain more literally means “Lou’s vanity,” making the true meaning behind Louvain mysterious.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Town in Belgium
- Pronunciation: L-UWV-EYN
- Variations: Louvaine, Louvane, Louvin
- Popularity: Louvain is very rare worldwide and primarily used in DR Congo.
Luca
Luca comes from the Latin “lucus,” meaning “sacred wood.” It also means “man from Luciana,” an ancient city in southern Italy. While the apostle Luke is the main influence for boys named Luca, his name also inspires girls in Hungary called Luca.
- Origin: Italian, Latin
- Meaning: Bringer of light
- Pronunciation: LUW-Kaa
- Variations: Luka
- Namesakes: Luca Righini, an Italian footballer for Tre Penne. Luca Ward, an Italian actor known for the soap opera CentoVetrine.
- Popularity: Luca is uncommon worldwide, mostly used in Italy, and ranked 86th for boys in the U.S. in 2023.
Lucas
Lucas started as the Greek Loukas, meaning “of or belonging to Lucania,” and is another variation of Luke. It’s often more popular than the traditional Luke for boys in the U.S.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Bringer of light
- Pronunciation: LUW-Kahs
- Variations: Luca, Lukas
- Namesakes: Lucas Mariano, a Brazilian basketball player for Franca. Lucas Till, an American actor appearing in the X-Men prequel films from 2011 to 2016.
- Popularity: Lucas ranked 391st worldwide, is mainly used in Brazil, and ranked 8th for boys in the U.S. in 2018.
Lucien
Lucien is the most beautiful of all the L names for boys that are forms of Luke. It’s based on the Latin Lucius, meaning “light.” Lucien is also taken from the Latin “lucere,” meaning “to shine.”
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Light
- Pronunciation: LUW-siy-Ahn
- Variations: Lucius
- Namesakes: Lucien Bouchard, the 27th Premier of Quebec from 1996 to 2001. Lucien Laurin, a French-Canadian jockey who won the Triple Crown in 1973.
- Popularity: Lucien is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in France, where it ranked 650th in 2020.
Lucio
Lucio is one of many names meaning “light,” but it also means “from Lucania.” In Roman mythology, light symbolizes divine blessings from above, making your Lucio a heavenly gift.
- Origin: Portuguese
- Meaning: Light
- Pronunciation: LUW-siy-Ow
- Variations: Lucius
- Namesakes: Lucio Gutiérrez, the 43rd President of Ecuador from 2003 to 2005. Lucio Cabañas, a Mexican leader who founded the Party of the Poor movement in 1967.
- Popularity: Lucio is uncommon worldwide, primarily used in Mexico, and ranked 108th in Bolivia in 2014.
Lucky
Lucky is possibly better known as a pet’s name than a boy’s, but it has powerful meanings, such as “in possession of good luck.” You can’t enjoy the phrase “happy-go-lucky” without Lucky, so it could be a great pet name for all the Luke variations.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Fortunate
- Pronunciation: LUH-Kiy
- Variations: Lucki, Luckie, Luckey
- Namesakes: Lucky Igbinedion, the governor of Edo State in Nigeria from 1999 to 2007. Lucky Oceans, an American guitarist and broadcaster at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from 1995 to 2017.
- Popularity: Lucky is uncommon worldwide, mainly used in South Africa, and ranked 66th in Nigeria in 2014.
Ludlow
Ludlow was first a surname for those from Shropshire, England, where the Old English Hlūde River ran. It also means “loud roaring” and “from the king’s lowland,” named after the English King Lud.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Ruler’s hill
- Pronunciation: LUHD-Low
- Variations: Ludlowe
- Namesakes: Ludlow Griscom, an American ornithologist called the Dean of the Birdwatchers. Ludlow Moody, a Jamaican doctor who served as custos (“keeper of the rolls”) of Kingston from 1961 to 1963.
- Popularity: Ludlow is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Jamaica, ranking 892nd in 2014.
Ludwig
Ludwig comes from the Old German “hlūdawiganaz,” made up of “hlūdaz,” meaning “loud,” and “wiganą,” meaning “to battle.” It’s famous for multiple Germanic kings and Ludwig van Beethoven himself.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Famous warrior
- Pronunciation: LAHD-Wihg
- Variations: Ludvig, Ludvik
- Namesakes: Ludwig Binswanger, a Swiss psychiatrist and founder of the Bellevue Sanatorium in 1857. Ludwig Ortiz, a Venezuelan judoka and silver medalist at the Pan American Games (2003).
- Popularity: Ludwig is rare worldwide, mostly used in Germany, and ranked 148th in Austria in 2014.
Luigi
Luigi is the Italian equivalent of the German Ludwig, composed of “hlūt,” meaning “famous,” and “wīg,” meaning “war.” Luigi dates back to the original Latin Ludovicus, which became the well-known Louis.
- Origin: Italian, German
- Meaning: Renowned warrior
- Pronunciation: Luw-WIY-jhiy
- Namesakes: Luigi Cozzi, an Italian film director known for Blood on Méliès’ Moon. Luigi Malerba, an Italian author who co-founded the Gruppo 63 literary movement.
- Popularity: Luigi ranked 1,064th worldwide and is mainly used in Italy, where it ranked 8th in 2014.
Luke
Luke is the most common of boy names, with L stemming from the Latin Lucas. It means “of or belonging to Lucania,” but it became popular throughout the Middle Ages because of Luke the Evangelist.
- Origin: English, Greek
- Meaning: From Lucania, light-bringer
- Pronunciation: LUWK
- Variations: Lucc, Luk
- Namesakes: Luke Haakenson, an American soccer player for Nashville SC. Luke Hemsworth, an Australian actor appearing in the HBO series Westworld.
- Popularity: Luke is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 31st for boys in 2020.
Lukasey
Little is known about Lukasey since it’s likely been used as a (still rare) surname. In addition to being the most unique offshoot of Luke, Lukaey may be an Americanized variation of the Italian last name Lucchese.
- Origin: Unknown
- Meaning: From Lucca
- Pronunciation: Luw-KAY-see
- Variations: Lucasey
- Popularity: Lukasey is extremely rare worldwide, with just two known occurrences in 2014, mostly in the U.S.
Luther
Luther means “soldier of the people” and is composed of the German “liudiz,” meaning “people,” and “harjaz,” meaning “warrior.” It also means “lute player” when based on the Old French “luthier.”
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Army people
- Pronunciation: LUW-Ther
- Variations: Luthor
- Namesakes: Luther Campbell, an American rapper in the group 2 Live Crew. Luther Robinson, an American football player with the San Diego Chargers.
- Popularity: Luther is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 773rd for boys in 2023.
Lydon
Lydon is typically used as an Irish surname and an Anglo spelling of the Gaelic Loideán. It means “descendent of Lodan” and represents a place name in the East Midlands of England.
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: From the linden tree hill
- Pronunciation: LIEY-Dahn
- Variations: Lyndon
- Popularity: Lydon is rare worldwide, primarily used in Kenya, and ranked 654th in Malta in 2014.
Lyle
Lyle refers to “the islander” when based on the Middle English “isle,” meaning “island.” It’s inspired by Radulphus de Insula, Lord of Duchal Castle in Scotland.
- Origin: Scottish, French
- Meaning: From the island
- Pronunciation: LAEYL
- Variations: Lyall, Lyell
- Namesakes: Lyle W. Hillyard, a member of the Utah State Senate from 1985 to 2020. Lyle Beerbohm, an American mixed martial artist for the World Series of Fighting.
- Popularity: Lyle is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 1,007th for boys in 2021.
Lynch
Lynch appears to be an Anglo version of the Gaelic Ó’Loingsig. It means “descendant of Loingseach” but eventually came to mean “mariner.”
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Mariner
- Pronunciation: LIHNCH
- Variations: Linch
- Namesakes: Lynch Cooper, an Aboriginal-Australian sprinter who won the World Sprint Championship in 1929. Lynch Davidson, the Lieutenant Governor of Texas from 1921 to 1923.
- Popularity: Lynch is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Lynwood
Lynwood was an English surname for a “dweller by the cascade in the forest.” It also means “linden tree valley” when made up of “lin,” meaning “stream,” and “wood,” meaning “woodland.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Lake by the woods
- Pronunciation: LIHN-Wuhd
- Variations: Linwood
- Popularity: Lynwood is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Lynx
Lynx derives from the Greek “lúnx,” meaning “brightness.” Lynxes are best known as cats with bright eyes. The Lynx constellation in the Northern Hemisphere should inspire your boy to have the coolest among guy names that start with L.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Brightness
- Pronunciation: LINKS
- Variations: Linx
- Popularity: Lynx is very rare worldwide and mostly used in DR Congo.
Lyric
Lyric means “songlike” and is the word used to describe the words of a song. It originated from the Greek “lyrikos,” associated with the “lyre.” Lyric is more often used for girls than boys but can be beautiful for either.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Lyre
- Pronunciation: LIY-Rek
- Variations: Lyrick, Lyrik
- Popularity: Lyric is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 573rd for boys in 2023.
Lysander
Lysander is composed of the Greek “lysis,” meaning “freedom,” and “andros,” meaning “man.” It’s famous among names for boys that start with L for a character in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Liberator
- Pronunciation: Laey-SAEND-er
- Variations: Lisander
- Namesakes: Lysander Button, an American inventor whose work helped improve steam fire engines. Lysander Farrar, a member of the New York State Senate from 1862 to 1863.
- Popularity: Lysander is rare worldwide and primarily used in the Philippines.
L Names for Boys FAQs
What Are Some Unique L Names for Boys?
Lycan is one of the rarest boy names that start with L. It’s extremely rare worldwide, with only 43 known occurrences in 2014. Other rare boy names with L include Ledge, Logic, and Lonzo. Some famous names from history, like Ludwig, or Lysander from mythology, are unique in their own way.
What Is the Most Popular Boy Name That Starts with L?
Lucas may be the most popular L name for boys, ranking 391st worldwide in 2014. It’s ranked in the top 100 U.S. boys’ names since 1993 and 8th in 2018. Liam is the top name for boys in 2023 in the U.S. Leo, and Luke are also quite popular among boy names with L.
What’s the Cutest Name for Boys That Starts With L?
As a traditional Irish nickname for William, Liam is one of the cutest choices your little L boy could want. Liam’s current popularity in the U.S. has elevated it from a pet form of a longer name to working on its own. Liam ranked #1 for U.S. boys in 2022 and 2023, reflecting how adorable a little boy named Liam becomes.
