Lynell
Primarily a girl's name of Welsh origin with 1,961 recorded births. Also given to 823 boys.
Meaning & Origin
Lynell peaked during the Gen X years, when 89 babies received this name in a single year (1971). That era was defined by post-traditional, counterculture-influenced naming, and Lynell has since stepped out of the spotlight, giving it a vintage quality that many parents now find appealing.
Lynell is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Lynell is a girl's and boy's baby name of Welsh origin, a variant of Lynelle or Lyneal, possibly a blend of Lynn (from the Welsh llyn meaning 'lake') and the -ell suffix. It has a graceful, elongated quality and was used quietly in mid-20th-century America.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Lynell belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their sharp, distinct ending — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. At two syllables, it has a two-beat rhythm that is easy to call across a room and natural in conversation.
Within the Welsh naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Welsh names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Lynell’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Lynell has 84+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1914.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 46 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 78 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 168 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 354 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 456 | — |
| 1950s | 469 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 222 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 100 | ▲ |
| 1920s | 57 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 11 | — |
The Story of Lynell
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1971, Lynell is a Gen X staple. Girls named Lynell are most likely born between 1961 and 1981.
How rare is Lynell?
With 1,961 total births on record, Lynell remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1914, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1950s with 469 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Lynell by the numbers
- Would fill 41 school buses
- Meeting one Lynell per day would take 5.4 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(84 years, 1914–2008)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 6 | #16673 |
| 2005 | 7 | #13888 |
| 2004 | 6 | #15301 |
| 2003 | 5 | #17313 |
| 2002 | 6 | #14687 |
| 2001 | 10 | #9807 |
| 2000 | 6 | #14252 |
| 1999 | 5 | #15850 |
| 1998 | 6 | #13430 |
| 1997 | 11 | #8105 |
| 1993 | 11 | #7831 |
| 1992 | 11 | #7828 |
| 1991 | 16 | #5833 |
| 1990 | 18 | #5191 |
| 1989 | 14 | #6012 |
| 1988 | 14 | #5776 |
| 1987 | 13 | #5796 |
| 1986 | 9 | #7476 |
| 1985 | 17 | #4569 |
| 1984 | 19 | #4097 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Lynell as a Boy's Name
Though more common for girls, Lynell has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 823 births since 1915.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lynell a boy's or girl's name?
When was Lynell most popular?
How popular is the name Lynell?
Can Lynell be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1914–2008