Lisle
Lisle is a French gender-neutral name. French names have a soft, elegant sound that has made them popular well beyond France. It draws on the natural world. It sounds soft and friendly, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. It suits a boy or a girl equally well.
Did you know?
- AnagramShuffle the letters of Lisle and you get Ellis. Same letters, different name.
- GenerationLisle peaked in 1941, which makes it a Silent Generation name, think grandparents and great-grandparents. The typical Lisle you'd meet today is about 84 years old.
- HistoryLisle first shows up in US birth records in 1885, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 140 years since.
US births per million girls, 1941–2025
US births per million boys, 1885–2025
Similar names
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Lisle
Lisle is a gender-neutral name of French origin. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the open vowel at the end makes it sound soft and warm. It was most fashionable in the 1940s, which gives it a vintage, grandparent-chic charm. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name. It works for a boy or a girl, which suits parents who'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
Origin:French names
Other spellings of Lisle
More French names
- Girl name: Charlotte · free
- Girl name: Evelyn · possibly desired
- Girl name: Violet · violet flower
- Boy name: Sebastian · venerable
- Girl name: Camila · temple attendant
- Boy name: Leo · lion
- Boy name: Daniel · God is my judge
- Girl name: Ellie · possibly light
Questions about the name Lisle
What is the origin of the name Lisle?
Lisle is French in origin. Other French names to consider are Charlotte (“free”), Evelyn (“possibly desired”), Violet (“violet flower”) and Sebastian (“venerable”).
Is Lisle a boy or girl name?
Both. Lisle is a true gender-neutral name used for boys and girls. That balance makes it a good pick if you'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
How popular is the name Lisle?
Lisle is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 1971. It peaked at #4,420 in 1941, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Lisle?
If you like Lisle, you might also like Lysle. Lysle is another spelling of the same name.
What should I know before naming my baby Lisle?
Lisle is a French gender-neutral name. French names have a soft, elegant sound that has made them popular well beyond France. It draws on the natural world. It sounds soft and friendly, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. It suits a boy or a girl equally well. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.