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Leona

♀ Girl

Pronounced lee-OH-nah /liˈoʊ.nə/High

Meaning: Feminine form of Leo or Leon, from Latin leo meaning lion; Leona means lioness or a lion-hearted womanHigh

In 30 seconds: Leona is a stately Latin name meaning 'lioness' — a name of strength and beauty that bridges the bold power of Leo with the flowering elegance of an -a ending, now staging a magnificent comeback.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningFeminine form of Leo or Leon, from Latin leo meaning lion; Leona means lioness or a lion-hearted woman
U.S. rank (2025)#429 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births723 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1918
Total births (all-time)≈ 113,323

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191818802025

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

History & Origin

Leona is the feminine form of Latin Leo meaning lion, via Leona or Leonora. The lion has symbolized royalty, courage, and nobility across cultures for millennia.

Leona was popular in the United States in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s–30s. It is now in strong revival as the broader Leo-family of names surges.

Did you know? Singer Leona Lewis, who won The X Factor UK in 2006 and released the global number-one hit Bleeding Love, gave the name renewed visibility and glamour for a new generation.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Leona — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LeonoraLeonieLeone

Nicknames

LeoLeeLea

Famous Bearers

  • ★Leona Lewis (1985–present)
    British singer and X Factor UK winner; known for the global hit Bleeding Love.
  • ★Leona Helmsley (1920–2007)
    American businesswoman and hotel magnate known as the Queen of Mean.

If you like Leona…

Leonora— the fuller form of the same name with the same lion strength and vintage elegance
Eleonora— shares the leonine noble root through a different etymological path
Leone— the Italian masculine form sharing the same roaring Latin root
Nora— shares the crisp vintage-revival appeal and the same -a ending warmth

Frequently Asked

What does the name Leona mean?

Leona means lioness or lion-hearted woman from Latin leo meaning lion.

How do you pronounce Leona?

It is said lee-OH-nah /liˈoʊ.nə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Leona making a comeback?

Yes, Leona is in strong revival as part of the broader Leo-family surge in the United States.

What are nicknames for Leona?

Common nicknames include Leo, Lee, and Lea.