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Home › Baby Names Directory › Napoleon

Napoleon

♂ Boy

Pronounced nuh-POH-lee-on /nəˈpoʊ.li.ən/High

Meaning: From Italian Napoleone — variously 'lion of Naples' and 'of the new city' (linked to Neapolis, 'new city'); we note the historical figure; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Lion of Naples; of the new city: Napoleon is Italian/Greek. Bold, classic, and warm (said 'nuh-POH-lee-on').
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Origin LowItalian, Greek
MeaningFrom Italian Napoleone — variously 'lion of Naples' and 'of the new city' (linked to Neapolis, 'new city'); we note the historical figure; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#4651 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births22 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1926
Total births (all-time)≈ 7,804

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192618802025

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

Napoleon comes from Italian Napoleone — variously 'lion of Naples' and 'of the new city' (linked to Neapolis, 'new city'; routes layered, which we note). Borne by Napoleon Bonaparte, the French emperor (we note the historical figure). A bold, classic name (said 'nuh-POH-lee-on'; nickname Leo).

In the U.S. it appears thinly. Rare, lion-of-Naples at the root, and bold.

Did you know? Napoleon is variously 'lion of Naples' and 'of the new city' (linked to Neapolis, 'new city') — borne by Napoleon Bonaparte, the French emperor — a bold, classic name (we note the historical figure; the routes are layered; said 'nuh-POH-lee-on').
Overall data confidence 42%
References — Napoleon — historical figure noted; routes layered

Variations

NapoleoneNapoleón

Nicknames

Leo

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Napoleon…

Leon— the 'lion' element it carries
Leonardo— a fellow 'lion' classic boys' name
Apollo— another bold classical boys' name
Damarion— a similarly popular pick
Nilson— echoes that soft -on sound

Explore names like Napoleon

By themeuncertaingreekitalian
By meaningLion

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Napoleon mean?

Napoleon is variously 'lion of Naples' and 'of the new city'; borne by Napoleon Bonaparte. The routes are layered, and we note the historical figure.

How do you pronounce Napoleon?

It's said nuh-POH-lee-on /nəˈpoʊ.li.ən/ — four syllables, stress on the second.

Is Napoleon a boy or girl name?

Napoleon is a boy's name.

How popular is Napoleon?

Napoleon is a rare name in the U.S.

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