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Leonard

♂ Boy

Pronounced LEN-erd /ˈlɛn.ərd/High

Meaning: From the Old High German Leonhard, composed of leo ('lion,' from Latin) + hard ('brave,' 'strong,' 'hardy'), meaning 'lion-bold' or 'brave as a lion.'High

In 30 seconds: Leonard is a stately Germanic name meaning 'brave as a lion,' borne by a beloved saint, a Renaissance genius, and generations of thinkers and artists. It is having a stylish vintage revival.
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Origin HighGermanic
MeaningFrom the Old High German Leonhard, composed of leo ('lion,' from Latin) + hard ('brave,' 'strong,' 'hardy'), meaning 'lion-bold' or 'brave as a lion.'
U.S. rank (2025)#637 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births438 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1921
Total births (all-time)≈ 294,322

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192118802025

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

History & Origin

Leonard derives from the Old High German Leonhard, from leo ('lion') and hard ('brave,' 'strong'). Saint Leonard of Noblac, a Frankish nobleman turned hermit who lived in 6th-century France, was immensely popular in medieval Christianity, driving the name's adoption across Europe.

Leonard was a top-100 name in the U.S. for much of the 20th century, associated with luminaries like composer Leonard Bernstein and scientist Leonardo (as the Renaissance form) da Vinci. It faded from the top ranks mid-century but is now experiencing a warm vintage revival alongside Leo.

Did you know? Saint Leonard of Noblac, a 6th-century French hermit, was the patron saint of prisoners and pregnant women — and so beloved in medieval Europe that over 170 churches in England alone were dedicated to him, spreading the name across the continent.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Leonard — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LeonardoLeonhardLennard

Nicknames

LeoLenLenny

Famous Bearers

  • ★Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990)
    American composer and conductor.
  • ★Leonard Nimoy (1931–2015)
    American actor best known for playing Spock in the Star Trek franchise.

If you like Leonard…

Leo— the natural nickname form shares the same lion root and vintage revival wave
Walter— fellow Germanic vintage name returning to fashion in the same era
Harvey— shares the mid-century grandfather-name charm now making a comeback
Raymond— another distinguished Germanic vintage name being reconsidered by modern parents

Frequently Asked

What does the name Leonard mean?

Leonard comes from the Old High German Leonhard, meaning 'brave as a lion' or 'lion-bold,' from leo ('lion') and hard ('brave, strong').

How do you pronounce Leonard?

Leonard is pronounced LEN-erd /ˈlɛn.ərd/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Leonard a boy or girl name?

Leonard is used almost exclusively as a boys' name; Leonardo is the more elaborate Italian form.

How popular is Leonard?

Leonard was in the U.S. top 100 through the 1960s. It has since declined but is experiencing a gentle vintage revival alongside Leo.