All about the name

Lisle

Male

« Lisle is a rare English given name derived from either the French town Lisle meaning 'lily,' or the English occupational surname for fishermen, both conveying elegance or hard work respectively. »

#7285 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Lisle is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. The name is derived from the surname Lisle, which has two possible meanings. The first is that it is derived from the town of Lisle in Normandy, France, which was named after the Old French word "lis" meaning "lily." Therefore, Lisle as a given name could have been chosen for its floral and elegant connotations. Alternatively, Lisle may also be derived from the English surname Lisle, which was originally an occupational name given to a fisherman or someone who worked with fishing nets. This is because the word "lisle" was once used to refer to a type of fine fishing net. In this case, Lisle as a given name might have been chosen for its association with industry and hard work. The use of Lisle as a given name is relatively rare compared to other names, but it has been used in various parts of the world over the centuries. There are records of people named Lisle dating back to medieval times in England, and the name has also appeared in other English-speaking countries such as the United States. One notable figure with the surname Lisle was Sir Peter de Lisle, a 14th-century knight who fought in the Hundred Years' War against France. However, it is not clear whether he had any connection to the town of Lisle in Normandy or if his family name was of English occupational origin. In literature, the name Lisle has been used by various authors throughout history. For example, there is a character named Lisle in Charlotte Brontë's novel "Shirley," published in 1849. The name has also appeared in works by other notable writers such as Henry James and Edith Wharton. Overall, the name Lisle is an unusual but intriguing choice for a given name, with roots that can be traced back to medieval England or Normandy. Its meanings associated with elegance and industry make it a versatile option for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Lisle since 1880

Total births
543
Total since 1880
Peak year
1924
21 births
in 1979
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0% →
vs previous 5 years