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Leo

♂ Boy

Pronounced LEE-oh /ˈliː.oʊ/High

Meaning: Lion; lion-heartedHigh

In 30 seconds: Directly from the Latin for 'lion,' Leo is a bold, simple classic. Borne by 13 popes and several emperors, it has staged one of the most impressive modern name revivals.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningLion; lion-hearted
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 198,092

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201718802017

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

History & Origin

Leo comes directly from the Latin leo (lion), a symbol of strength, courage, and royalty across many cultures. It has been used as both a given name and a title of power since ancient Rome, and the lion has been a central symbol in European heraldry for over a millennium.

The name was borne by thirteen Roman Catholic popes, several Byzantine emperors, and was a common name in medieval Europe. It declined somewhat in the 19th and early 20th centuries, then began a strong revival in the late 20th century. Leo entered the U.S. top 20 boys' names around 2017 and has continued rising.

Did you know? Thirteen popes bore the name Leo, including Leo I 'the Great' (died 461 AD), who reportedly persuaded Attila the Hun to turn back from Rome, and Leo III, who crowned Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor on Christmas Day 800 AD.

Variations

LeónLeoneLéoLeon

Nicknames

Lee

Famous Bearers

  • ★Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910)
    Russian novelist, author of War and Peace and Anna Karenina.
  • ★Leonardo DiCaprio (1974–)
    American actor and environmental activist, Academy Award winner.

If you like Leo…

Luca— shares the short, crisp Latin-origin appeal
Felix— another Latin name with the same punchy one-two feel
Oscar— equally short classic with Scandinavian/Latin roots enjoying a revival
Theo— shares the vintage feel and crisp two-syllable charm
Finn— equally bold, short name with strong animal-spirit energy

Frequently Asked

What does the name Leo mean?

Leo comes directly from the Latin word for lion, making it one of the most vivid and powerful name meanings.

How do you pronounce Leo?

Leo is said LEE-oh /ˈliː.oʊ/ — two syllables, with stress on the first.

Is Leo a boy or girl name?

Leo is used almost exclusively as a boy's name; Leona and Leonora are the feminine equivalents.

How popular is Leo?

Leo has been climbing steadily and entered the U.S. top 20 boys' names around 2017, reflecting a broad revival of short, powerful classical names.