Lenny is a boy's name of Irish origin that means "warlike" or "strong-willed". The name is derived from the Irish Gaelic name O'Maolonain, which was originally a family surname. In medieval Ireland, the O'Maolonains were a powerful clan who held lands in County Mayo.
The name Lenny became popular in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, particularly after the release of the film "Lenny" in 1974. The movie, directed by Bob Fosse and starring Dustin Hoffman, told the story of the comedian Lenny Bruce, whose real name was Leonard Alfred Schneider.
Despite its Irish origins, the name Lenny has been adopted by many different cultures around the world. It is often used as a nickname for longer names such as Leonard or even Lionel. Today, it remains a popular choice among parents looking for a strong and distinctive boy's name with a touch of vintage charm.
"Lenny saw its peak popularity around the mid-1950s with over 150 births per year between 1956 and 1959. The name's usage has since declined, with fewer than 100 births annually after 1974."