Lenox is a unique and elegant given name of American origin. It is derived from the surname Lennox, which has Scottish roots and means "fiftieth" in Gaelic. The name Lennox itself is believed to have originated from a place name in Scotland called Lennoxtown, which was named after Alexander Lenox, a 13th-century nobleman.
In America, the name Lenox gained popularity as a given name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is often associated with wealthy and influential families, such as the Lenox family of New York City, who were prominent socialites and philanthropists during the Gilded Age.
Today, Lenox remains a rare but distinguished choice for a baby boy's name. Its meaning "fiftieth" may not be immediately apparent to those unfamiliar with Gaelic, but it adds an interesting layer of history and culture to the name. Overall, Lenox is a strong and sophisticated name that stands out from more common choices while still being approachable and easy to pronounce.
The name Lenox has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the early 20th century, it was quite rare, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1912 to 1936. However, by the mid-20th century, its popularity began to grow, with around 5 to 7 births per year between 1940 and 1960.
Starting in the late 1990s, Lenox experienced a substantial rise in popularity. From 1998 to 2000, there were consistently around 6 to 10 births per year. This trend continued into the new millennium, with over 40 births each year from 2010 onwards. The most recent data shows that Lenox reached an all-time high in popularity in 2022 and 2023, with 170 births each year.
Over the entire period from 1912 to 2023, a total of 1847 babies were named Lenox in the United States. This demonstrates that while it may not have been a common name throughout its history, Lenox has nonetheless maintained a consistent presence and has seen significant growth in popularity over time.