len

Len is a masculine given name, often used as a shortened form of Leonard, Lennox, or Lenn, though it is also used independently. Leonard derives from Old High German elements leon, meaning “lion,” and hard, meaning “brave” or “hardy,” giving the overall meaning “lion-brave.” As a standalone name, Len has been common in English-speaking countries since the early 20th century and remains in use today, though it is less prevalent than in mid-century.

Notable people named Len include Len Goodman, a British ballroom dancer and television judge known for his work on Strictly Come Dancing; Len Deighton, a British author and historian; Len Dawson, an American football quarterback and broadcaster; Len Bias, an American basketball player who starred at Indiana and was drafted by the Celtics; and Len Wiseman, an American filmmaker and writer.

In popular culture, Len appears as a given name for fictional characters in literature and media. A well-known example from Japanese media is Len Kagamine, a male Vocaloid character associated with the Vocaloid software. The name Len continues to be used in various cultures as a nickname or standalone given name, with related forms including Lenny, Lenn, Lennon, and Lennox.