Leto

♂ Boy

Pronounced LEE-toh /ˈli.toʊ/Medium

Meaning: From Greek myth — Leto, the Titaness mother of Apollo and Artemis; the meaning is debated ('the hidden one; the modest/gentle one', possibly from Lycian lada, 'woman'); routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A mythic name: Leto is from Greek myth — the mother of Apollo and Artemis. Lyrical, classic, and warm (said 'LEE-toh').

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Origin LowGreek

MeaningFrom Greek myth — Leto, the Titaness mother of Apollo and Artemis; the meaning is debated ('the hidden one; the modest/gentle one', possibly from Lycian lada, 'woman'); routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#5784 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births16 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 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

Leto comes from Greek mythology — Leto, the gentle Titaness who bore the twin gods Apollo and Artemis to Zeus. The meaning of her name is debated — variously 'the hidden one' or 'the modest, gentle one' (possibly from the Lycian lada, 'woman'; routes layered, which we note). A lyrical, classic name (also the surname of actor Jared Leto; said 'LEE-toh'; nickname Leo).

In the U.S. it registers thinly. Rare, a-mythic-name, and lyrical.

Did you know? Leto was the gentle Titaness of Greek myth — mother of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis — her name's meaning is debated ('the hidden/modest one', possibly from a Lycian word for 'woman') — a lyrical, classic name (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'LEE-toh').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Leto — mythology; meaning debated

Variations

LetheLatona

Nicknames

Leo

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Leto…

Leo— a sound-neighbor Le- boys' name

Helios— a fellow Greek mythological name

Milo— a companion -o boys' name

Cato— another classical -to boys' name

Explore names like Leto

By themeuncertain greek mythology

By meaningGentle / Kind

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Leto mean?

Leto is a Greek mythological name (the mother of Apollo and Artemis); the meaning is debated ('the hidden/gentle one').

How do you pronounce Leto?

It's said LEE-toh /ˈli.toʊ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Leto a boy or girl name?

Leto is used here as a boy's name (in myth it is a goddess's name).

How popular is Leto?

Leto is a very rare name in the U.S.