Baby Names That Start With L: 40 Girl & Boy Names With Meanings
L names are flowing and melodic, which is why so many have become favourites: Luna, Lucy, Leo, Liam, Luke. This list gathers 40 names that start with L, with the meaning, origin and a short note on each.
Reviewed
Where an origin is disputed, as with Lorelei, Lara and Linus, we say so. Names are grouped by gender and ordered roughly from classic to distinctive.
Our top picks
Girl names (19)
- LaraLatin / Russianuncertain; a Russian short form of LarisaShort and international.
- LaurelLatinthe laurel treeA classic tree name that is a symbol of victory.
- LavenderEnglishthe lavender plantSoft and fragrant.
- LaylaArabicnightA romantic name used across the Arabic-speaking world.
- LeahHebrewuncertain; often read as 'weary'A biblical matriarch and a soft classic.
- LenaVariousa short form of names such as Helena or MagdalenaShort, light and international.
- LeonaLatinlionessVintage and strong.
- LilaArabic / Sanskritnight (Arabic); play (Sanskrit)Two languages, two meanings.
- LilianaLatinlilyA longer take on Lily.
- LilyEnglishthe lily flowerA classic flower name that is a symbol of purity.
- LinneaSwedishtwinflower (after botanist Carl Linnaeus)Rare and sweet.
- LiviaLatinfrom the Roman family name LiviusA Roman empress's name.
- LolaSpanishsorrows (a pet form of Dolores)Playful and vintage.
- LoreleiGermanuncertain; a rock on the RhineA legendary siren.
- LouisaGermanicrenowned warriorA literary classic, as in Louisa May Alcott.
- LucyLatinlightA friendly classic.
- LunaLatinmoonThe Roman moon goddess.
- LydiaGreekfrom Lydia, an ancient region of Asia MinorA New Testament name.
- LyraGreeklyreA constellation and a musical name.
Boy names (18)
- LachlanScottishfrom the land of lakes (or fjords)Scottish and strong; nickname Lachie.
- LandonEnglishlong hillA popular surname-name.
- LawrenceLatinfrom Laurentum (laurel)A classic with the nickname Larry or Laurie.
- LeoLatinlionShort, strong and loved.
- LeonGreeklionA classic that feels European.
- LeonardoGermanic / Italianbrave lionArtistic and bold.
- LeopoldGermanicbrave peopleRegal and rare.
- LeviHebrewattached, joinedA biblical name with a casual sound.
- LewisEnglishrenowned warrior (from Louis)A friendly classic.
- LiamIrishresolute protector (a short form of William)Short, strong and widely used.
- LincolnEnglishlake colonyPresidential and modern.
- LorenzoItalianfrom LaurentumA smooth Italian classic.
- LouisGermanic / Frenchrenowned warriorRoyal and charming.
- LucaItalianman from Lucania (often linked to light)Quick and friendly.
- LucasLatinman from Lucania (often linked to light)A widely used modern classic.
- LukeGreekman from Lucania (often linked to light)Short and friendly.
- LutherGermanicarmy of the peopleStrong and historic.
- LysanderGreekliberatorA Spartan admiral and a Shakespearean romantic.
Unisex names (3)
- LeeEnglishmeadowA short, classic name.
- LuxLatinlightShort and modern.
- LaneEnglisha narrow roadPlain and pleasant.
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How to choose
L is the most musical letter
The liquid 'l' gives names like Lila, Luna and Leo a smooth, singing quality. If you want a name that sounds gentle, L is a good letter.
Light, lions and laurels
Many L names share themes: light (Lucy, Lucian, Luke), lions (Leo, Leon, Leona, Leonardo), and laurel (Lauren, Laurel, Lawrence). Choosing a name from a theme gives it a story to tell.
Mind the double L
Names with 'll' or an ending 'a' (Lila, Lola, Lena) can sound alike. If you have other children, say the names together to avoid rhyming or too-similar sounds.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular baby names that start with L?
Luna, Lily and Lucy are popular for girls, while Liam, Lucas, Luke, Leo and Levi are popular for boys.
What are unique baby names that start with L?
Lorelei, Linnea, Lyra, Lachlan, Leopold and Lysander are rarer but easy to pronounce.
What are gender-neutral baby names that start with L?
Lee, Lux and Lane are used for any gender.
What are L names that mean light?
Lucy, Luca, Lucas, Luke and Lux are all linked to the Latin lux, 'light'. Luke, Luca and Lucas more precisely mean 'man from Lucania'.
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