Lenny
Say it: LEN-ee/ˈlɛni/
BoyMeans a pet form of Leonard, usually explained as "brave as a lion"5 letters2 syllables
#223
in Ireland (2025)
#220 with spellings combined
21
babies in 2025
#220
best rank (2024)
124
babies since 2010
Up 395
10-year rank change
Lenny through the years
Compare with another name →Show the numbers
| Year | Babies (boys) | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 21 | #220 |
| 2024 | 20 | #220 |
| 2023 | 13 | #308 |
| 2022 | 12 | #338 |
| 2021 | 16 | #270 |
| 2019 | 11 | #341 |
| 2018 | 7 | #446 |
| 2017 | 5 | #547 |
| 2015 | 4 | #615 |
| 2014 | 8 | #428 |
| 2012 | 3 | #718 |
| 2010 | 4 | #611 |
Source: CSO, Irish Babies' Names (VSA50, VSA60), CC BY 4.0.
★ What does Lenny mean?
A pet form of Leonard, usually explained as "brave as a lion"
English, a pet form of Leonard, a Germanic name joining lion and hardy.
Say it right
LENee
The story of Lenny
Lenny is a pet form of Leonard. Leonard is a Germanic name usually explained as joining words for a lion and for hardy or brave. It came to England with the Normans. It is also spelled Lennie, and today Lenny is often given as the full name.
It fits the same fashion as Teddy, Sonny and Alfie, friendly short names with an old-fashioned feel.
In Ireland, Lenny first reached the CSO list in 2010. It has risen steadily since. Its best rank was number 220 in 2024, and in 2025 it had its busiest year so far, with 21 boys. In Northern Ireland, 8 boys were named Lenny in 2025.
Say it differently where you're from, or spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Sources
- Wiktionary: Lenny (English proper noun)
- Wikipedia: Lenny (given name)
- CSO VSA50, Boys Names in Ireland with 3 or More Occurrences
- NISRA, First Forenames Given to Babies Registered in Northern Ireland
At a glance
Similar names
Sibling ideas
Spellings counted here
| Spelling | 2025 | All years |
|---|---|---|
| Lenny | 21 | 124 |
In Northern Ireland
#237 in 2025 with 8 babies. Best rank #237 (2025); 26 babies since 2017.
Source: NISRA, Open Government Licence.