Lyman is a name of English origin that has been used historically in the United States. It is derived from the Old English word "lim," which means "rim" or "edge." The name Lyman was likely first used as a given name in New England, where many people of English descent settled during colonial times.
The exact origins of the name Lyman are unclear, but it is believed to have been brought to America by early settlers from England. One possible explanation for the name's origin is that it may have been derived from an Old English personal name, such as Limman or Limmán. Another theory suggests that Lyman may be a variant of the name Lemuel, which appears in the Bible as the son of the prophet Mahaz.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lyman. One of the most famous was Thomas Lyman (1741-1805), who served as a delegate to the Continental Congress from Connecticut and later became governor of the state. Another well-known figure is Frederick Lyman Tuttle (1836-1923), a Union Army officer during the American Civil War who went on to become a prominent lawyer and politician in Rhode Island.
Today, Lyman remains a relatively rare given name, but it continues to be used by families with English or American roots. As a surname, however, Lyman is more common and can be found among people of various backgrounds and nationalities. Whether as a first or last name, Lyman carries a rich historical legacy that traces back to the early days of colonial America.
The name Lyman has been given to a total of 8553 babies born in the United States since 1880. The first recorded birth was in 1880, with 31 newborns being named Lyman that year. The popularity of the name peaked in 1917 with 220 births, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.
From 1925 onwards, there has been a steady decline in the number of babies named Lyman each year. This trend has continued up until recently, with only 11 births recorded in 2021 and 8 births in 2022. Despite this decrease in popularity, it is clear that the name Lyman has had a consistent presence throughout American history.
In recent years, there have been fluctuations in the number of babies named Lyman each year. For instance, there was an increase from 9 births in 2018 to 16 births in 2016, followed by a slight dip to 15 births in 2017. However, it is important to note that even with these fluctuations, the overall trend continues to show a decline in the popularity of the name Lyman.
Overall, while the name Lyman may not be as popular today as it once was, its historical significance and consistent presence throughout American history remain undeniable.