Lemuel is a rare and unique male given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "lemal," which means "for myself." According to biblical tradition, Lemuel was the name of a king in the Old Testament who was addressed by his mother in Proverbs 31:1-9. The passage describes the qualities and virtues that a good woman should have, making it one of the most famous passages about women's wisdom in the Bible.
The name Lemuel is not particularly popular today, but it has been used throughout history. It was notably the name of the American politician Lemuel Haynes (1753-1835), who was known for being a black minister and veteran of the Revolutionary War. Additionally, there are references to a character named Lemuel in works by notable authors such as Herman Melville and H.P. Lovecraft.
In terms of its meaning and significance, Lemuel is associated with wisdom, virtue, and self-reliance due to its biblical roots. However, it is important to note that the interpretation of names can vary depending on cultural and personal perspectives.
Overall, Lemuel is a name that stands out for its rarity, unique sound, and meaningful origin. It may not be as commonly used today, but it has a rich history and significant meaning that sets it apart from many other names.
In the United States, the name Lemel has seen varied popularity over recent decades. Between 1978 and 2021, there were a total of 24 babies named Lemel. The year with the highest number of births was 2021, with 8 babies named Lemel. This shows a recent increase in the use of this name compared to previous years, where the numbers ranged between 5 and 6 births per year (in 1978, 1983, and 1988 respectively). Despite not being one of the most popular names, Lemel has maintained a consistent presence among newborns in the United States over this period.