Lionel \li(o)-nel\ as a boy's name is pronounced LYE-a-nel. It is of Latin origin, and the meaning of Lionel is "lion". Used in the Middle Ages. Leonel is a Spanish form. Actor Lionel Barrymore; pop celebrity Lionel Richie.

Lionel has 16 variant forms: Leonel, Leonello, Lionell, Lionelo, Lionello, Lionnel, Lionnell, Lionnello, Lonell, Lonnell, Lyonel, Lyinell, Lyonelo, Lyonnel, Lyonnell and Lyonnello.

For more information, see also the related name Leon.

Baby names that sound like Lionel are Lennell, Linley, Linly, Linlee and Linlea.