Leola

♀ Girl

Pronounced lee-OH-lah /liˈoʊ.lɑ/Medium

Meaning: A feminine elaboration of Leo — from Latin leo, 'a lion'; 'a lioness; little lion'Low

In 30 seconds: A lioness; little lion: Leola is a feminine of Leo — 'a lioness'. Vintage, warm, and lyrical (said 'lee-OH-lah').

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Origin MediumLatin

MeaningA feminine elaboration of Leo — from Latin leo, 'a lion'; 'a lioness; little lion'

U.S. rank (2025)#6711 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births17 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1920

Total births (all-time)≈ 28,129

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Leola is a feminine elaboration of Leo — from Latin leo, 'a lion' — 'a lioness; little lion'. A warm, vintage name popular in the early 20th century. A lyrical, old-fashioned name ripe for revival (said 'lee-OH-lah'; nickname Lee).

In the U.S. it peaked a century ago. Rare today, a-lioness at the root, and vintage.

Did you know? Leo means 'a lion' (Latin) — Leola is its vintage feminine, 'a lioness; little lion' — a warm, old-fashioned name (said 'lee-OH-lah').

Overall data confidence 58%

References — Leola — Leo-root etymology

Variations

LeonaLeilaLeila

Nicknames

Lee

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Leola…

Leona— a fellow Leo-root girls' name

Viola— a sound-neighbor -ola girls' name

Lola— a companion -ola girls' name

Novella— another vintage pick

Lovella— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Leola

By themelatin vintage

By meaningLion

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Leola mean?

Leola is a feminine of Leo — Latin 'a lioness; little lion'.

How do you pronounce Leola?

It's said lee-OH-lah /liˈoʊ.lɑ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Leola a boy or girl name?

Leola is a girl's name.

How popular is Leola?

Leola is a rare name in the U.S. today.