Lemuel

Boy Name #2,131 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

A rare biblical gem with Puritan roots

English American Jewish

Biblical Vintage Traditional Strong

Meaning & Origin

"belonging to God"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: Hebrew

The Story of Lemuel

Lemuel comes from the Hebrew name Lemuel meaning devoted to God or belonging to God. It appears in the Old Testament book of Proverbs, attributed to a king named Lemuel whose mother taught him wisdom. The name was widely used by Puritans in the 17th century for its strong biblical pedigree and unusual sound.

Lemuel was most popular in colonial and early American times, particularly among Puritan families who favored obscure Old Testament names. Jonathan Swift gave the name its most famous fictional bearer in Gulliver's Travels. It fell out of fashion by the 19th century but retains charm as a distinctive vintage choice.

In Jewish tradition, the Words of King Lemuel in Proverbs 31 contain the famous woman of valor poem Eshet Chayil, making Lemuel forever associated with the highest praise of women. The name carries significant weight in communities that value Old Testament scholarship.

Fun Facts

Lemuel Gulliver is the protagonist of Jonathan Swift's 1726 satirical novel Gulliver's Travels
The name appears in Proverbs 31, which contains the famous Woman of Valor poem
Lemuel Shaw was Chief Justice of Massachusetts and Herman Melville's father-in-law

Lemuel in Other Languages

French Lémuël

Hebrew למואל

Spanish Lemuel

Portuguese Lemuel

Famous People Named Lemuel

Lemmy Kilmister

Musician

1945

Founding member and frontman of heavy metal band Motorhead

Lemuel Shaw

Other

1781

Chief Justice of Massachusetts Supreme Court and influential legal figure in 19th-century America

Lemuel Gulliver Fictional

Other

Fictional protagonist of Jonathan Swift's 1726 satirical novel Gulliver's Travels

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #2,131
Total SSA Count: 69
Cultural Origins: English American Jewish
Pronunciation: Moderate
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: Low

Common Nicknames

Lem Lemmy

Pairs Well With

Lemuel James Lemuel John Lemuel David Lemuel Thomas Lemuel Paul Lemuel Nathan

Sibling Names

Samuel Ezekiel Ezra Naomi Ruth Miriam

Similar Names

Samuel Daniel Manuel Solomon Emanuel Josiah Simeon Hezekiah

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Lemuel

What does the name Lemuel mean?

"belonging to God" (from Hebrew). Lemuel comes from the Hebrew name Lemuel meaning devoted to God or belonging to God. It appears in the Old Testament book of Proverbs, attributed to a king named Lemuel whose mother taught him wisdom. The name was widely used by Puritans in the 17th century for its strong biblical pedigree and unusual sound.

What is the origin of the name Lemuel?

Lemuel has Hebrew, English, American, and Jewish origins. In Hebrew, it means "belonging to God".

Is Lemuel a boy or girl name?

Lemuel is primarily used as a boy name.

How popular is the name Lemuel?

Lemuel is currently ranked #2131 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Lemuel?

Common nicknames for Lemuel include Lem and Lemmy.

What are good middle names for Lemuel?

Popular middle name pairings include Lemuel James, Lemuel John, Lemuel David, Lemuel Thomas, Lemuel Paul, and Lemuel Nathan.

What are good sibling names for Lemuel?

Names that pair well with Lemuel as siblings include Samuel, Ezekiel, Ezra, Naomi, Ruth, and Miriam.

How many syllables does Lemuel have?

Lemuel has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Lemuel a common or rare name?

Lemuel is an uncommon name, ranked #2131 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Lemuel

Lemuel is a boy name with English, American, and Jewish origins . The name means "belonging to God" in Hebrew .

Lemuel is currently ranked #2,131 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Lemuel has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Lemuel include Lem and Lemmy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.