Lionel

Lionel is a masculine given name of French origin. It derives from the Old French Léonel, a diminutive form of Léon, meaning lion; the name is often interpreted as meaning “little lion” or “young lion.” It has been used in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages and remains in use today, with various regional spellings and forms.

Notable people and uses include: Lionel Messi, Argentine professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time; Lionel Richie, American singer, songwriter and musician; Lionel Jospin, French politician who served as Prime Minister from 1997 to 2002. In commerce, Lionel is associated with the Lionel Corporation, an American toy-train manufacturer founded in 1900 by Joshua Lionel Cowen; its Lionel Trains brand became a leading name in model railroading. The name has also appeared in fiction and pop culture, reflecting its enduring presence in multiple languages and regions.