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Leandro

♂ Boy

Pronounced lee-AN-droh /liˈæn.droʊ/High

Meaning: Spanish and Italian form of Leander, from Greek Leandros meaning lion man, combining leon (lion) and aner (man)High

In 30 seconds: Leandro is the dashing Spanish and Italian form of Leander meaning 'lion man' — a name steeped in Greek romantic tragedy and beloved across Latin America for its bold, melodic grace.
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Origin HighGreek, Italian, Spanish
MeaningSpanish and Italian form of Leander, from Greek Leandros meaning lion man, combining leon (lion) and aner (man)
U.S. rank (2025)#406 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births785 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 11,075

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519062025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Leandro is the Spanish and Italian form of Greek Leandros, from leon (lion) and aner/andros (man). The mythological Leander was the Trojan youth who swam the Hellespont for his love Hero.

The name has been popular in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America for centuries. It is now gaining attention in the United States as parents look for melodic Spanish-origin names.

Did you know? In Greek mythology, Leander swam the Hellespont nightly to meet his beloved Hero, until a stormy night claimed his life — one of antiquity's most powerful love stories and the name's eternal romantic backdrop.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Leandro — etymology and mythologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LeanderLisandro

Nicknames

LeoLeanAndy

Famous Bearers

  • ★Leander (mythology) (mythological)
    Greek mythological figure who swam the Hellespont each night to visit his love Hero, immortalized in verse by Ovid and Marlowe.

If you like Leandro…

Alejandro— shares the sweeping Spanish three-syllable classic feel with heroic resonance
Fernando— fellow bold Iberian classic with the same adventurous, romantic energy
Rodrigo— shares the grand Spanish-Latin heritage and strong, poetic character
Lisandro— related Greek-origin name sharing the -andro element and similar Latin American use

Frequently Asked

What does the name Leandro mean?

Leandro means lion man from Greek leon (lion) and aner (man).

How do you pronounce Leandro?

It is said lee-AN-droh /liˈæn.droʊ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Leandro a Spanish name?

Yes, Leandro is the Spanish and Italian form of the Greek name Leander, widely used in Latin America.

What are nicknames for Leandro?

Common nicknames include Leo and Andy.