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Home › Baby Names Directory › Leonie

Leonie

♀ Girl

Pronounced lee-OH-nee /liˈoʊ.ni/High

Meaning: lion, lionessHigh

In 30 seconds: Leonie is a French and German feminine form of Leo meaning lion or lioness. A sophisticated three-syllable name with Continental European elegance and a fierce regal character.
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Origin HighLatin, German
Meaninglion, lioness
U.S. rank (2025)#2291 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births80 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,230

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202518802025

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

Leonie is the French and German feminine form of Leo, from the Latin leo meaning lion. It is a classic name in France, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands.

Leonie is experiencing a revival in English-speaking countries as parents discover this elegant European name. It is very popular in France and Germany.

Did you know? The lion has been the symbol of royalty, courage, and nobility across virtually every major world culture — from the Nemean Lion of Heracles' labors to the Lion of Judah — making Leonie a name of extraordinary symbolic power.
Overall data confidence 90%
Hanks & Hodges, Dictionary of First Names — reference for LeonieBehind the Name: Leonie — name etymology reference

Variations

LéonieLeoniaLeonineLeona

Nicknames

LeoOni

Famous Bearers

  • ★Leonie Ossowski (1925-2019)
    German novelist and screenwriter
  • ★Leonie Maier (1992-)
    German international footballer
  • ★Leonie Swann
    German author known for the novel Three Bags Full

If you like Leonie…

Leona— English form of same Leo-root name
Leonora— similar Leon- compound name
Eleonora— similar Leo-compound name
Leonidas— similar Leo-root name
Cleo— similar short -eo name with regal feel

Explore names like Leonie

By themelatinthree-syllablegermaneuropeanlion
By meaningLion

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does Leonie mean?

Leonie means lion or lioness, as a feminine form of Leo from the Latin leo (lion).

How do you pronounce Leonie?

Leonie is pronounced lee-OH-nee (/liˈoʊ.ni/), with three syllables.

Is Leonie a girl's name?

Yes, Leonie is an exclusively feminine name.

How popular is the name Leonie?

Leonie is very popular in France and Germany and is growing in English-speaking countries.

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