Lanny is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "O'Lannery," which means "descendant of Lannery." The name Lannery is believed to have been derived from the Irish word "lanach" or "lannach," meaning "fuller" or "someone who processes cloth."
The given name Lanny has a long history, dating back to medieval Ireland. It was often used as a diminutive form of longer names such as Laurence or Lawrence. In some cases, it was also used independently as a given name.
While the name Lanny is not particularly common today, it has been used by notable individuals throughout history. For example, Lanny Wood, an American actor and comedian who was famous for his appearances on the television show "Mork & Mindy," was born with the name Lawrence Daniel "Lanny" Wood.
Overall, Lanny is a name that offers a unique blend of Irish heritage and historical significance, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
The name Lanny experienced a significant peak in popularity between 1940 and 1950, with over 489 births each year during this period. However, its usage has declined significantly since then, with fewer than 20 births per year occurring from the late 1970s onwards. Despite the decline in recent decades, there have been occasional spikes, such as the 6 births recorded in both 2015 and 2018. As of 2023, Lanny has been given to a total of 9572 babies.