Leo
Leo: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈliːəʊ/ · /ˈliːoʊ/
Meaning and origin of Leo
Root meaning: “lion”
- A male given name from Latin, borne by numerous saints and 14 popes.
Etymology
From Latin leō (“lion”), calque of Ancient Greek λέων (léōn), calque of Akkadian 𒉈𒍑 (nēšu)/Akkadian 𒌨𒄞𒆷 (urgulû), from Sumerian 𒌨𒄞𒆷 (UR.GU.LA, “lion; name of constellation”). Doublet of Leon, leu, lev, lion, and Lyon.
How popular is Leo?
Since 1880, 2,136 girls and 259,988 boys in the U.S. have been named Leo (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #675 in 1893. Its highest rank for boys was #18 in 2023. In 2025 it ranked #19 for boys, with 8,196 babies given the name.
Names similar to Leo
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Latin boy names
Sibling name ideas for Leo
Sister and brother names that share Leo's Latin roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Leo FAQ
What does the name Leo mean?
Leo traces back to a root meaning "lion". A male given name from Latin, borne by numerous saints and 14 popes. From Latin leō (“lion”), calque of Ancient Greek λέων (léōn), calque of Akkadian 𒉈𒍑 (nēšu)/Akkadian 𒌨𒄞𒆷 (urgulû), from Sumerian 𒌨𒄞𒆷 (UR.GU.LA, “lion; name of constellation”). Doublet of Leon, leu, lev, lion, and Lyon.
What is the origin of the name Leo?
Leo is listed as a name of Latin origin.
How popular is the name Leo?
Since 1880, 2,136 girls and 259,988 boys in the U.S. have been named Leo (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #675 in 1893. Its highest rank for boys was #18 in 2023. In 2025 it ranked #19 for boys, with 8,196 babies given the name.
Is Leo a boy or girl name?
Leo is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 2,136 girls and 259,988 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.