Fun Facts About the Name Leelyn
- 198 babies named Leelyn: U.S. records list 198 babies given the name Leelyn from 1880 through 2025. Even 23 girls received the name Leelyn - about 1 girl for every 8 boys.
What Does the Name Leelyn Mean?
Leelyn is a rare modern given name with no documented meaning of its own. Its spelling strongly suggests it was formed from two familiar name elements, Lee and the ending -lyn, but no record states this, so any meaning given for it is an inference rather than an established fact. Lee derives from the Old English word lēah, 'woodland clearing' or 'meadow,' and is used as both a surname and a first name in English-speaking countries. The ending -lyn is usually traced to Lynn, which has two separate sources: Welsh llyn, 'lake,' and Old English hlynn, 'torrent' or 'stream.' If the name was built from these elements, its literal sense would be something like 'clearing' plus 'lake' or 'stream.' Because that combination is unconfirmed, the meaning is best described as uncertain. Lee and Lynn are independent names with their own histories, and Leelyn is not simply a respelling of either.
Leelyn Name History & Origins
Leelyn follows a pattern that became common in English-speaking countries during the 20th century: a short familiar element joined to the ending -lyn. Its parts have longer histories. Lee comes from Old English lēah, 'woodland clearing,' and appears in England first as a place name and surname before becoming common as a first name. Lynn is found as a Welsh name from llyn, 'lake,' and also as an English surname and place name; the town of King's Lynn in Norfolk lies behind the name of Lynn, Massachusetts, which English settlers named after it. Leelyn itself is uncommon, has no well-known early forms, and is not tied to a saint, ruler, or literary character. Its use is concentrated in the United States, where it is generally treated as a feminine name.
How Popular is the Name Leelyn?
Leelyn has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2010. Its best rank was #5,921 in 2010.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | #12,999 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2018 | #17,064 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2016 | #17,733 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2015 | #15,595 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #10,271 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2024 | #7,061 | 12 | 0.0007% |
| 2023 | #6,096 | 15 | 0.0009% |
| 2022 | #9,493 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2020 | #7,852 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 2019 | #7,439 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 2018 | #8,556 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2017 | #8,549 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2016 | #8,547 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2015 | #9,230 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 2014 | #7,904 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 2013 | #11,584 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2012 | #6,519 | 13 | 0.0007% |
| 2011 | #6,449 | 13 | 0.0007% |
| 2010 | #5,921 | 15 | 0.0008% |
| 2009 | #10,552 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2008 | #10,579 | 7 | 0.0003% |
| 2007 | #11,784 | 6 | 0.0003% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
Explore More Lists with Name Leelyn
Most Popular Boy Names That Start with L
How the Name Leelyn Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You always bring to completion anything you start. You are generous but like to see returns from your giving. You have an executive ability, you are a leader. You are moral, balanced, honest and intellectual, and you may attain spirituality. You are wise and practical with an appreciation of beauty. You always think before you act. You have an eventful, exciting life. You are versatile and have the ability to learn easily.
You are always looking for a chance to do your own thing, to be your own person, and to have things done your own way.
✦ Leelyn's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Leelyn's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.