Leon
Leon: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈliː.ɒn/ · /ˈli.ɑn/
Meaning and origin of Leon
Root meaning: “lion”
- A male given name from Latin or Ancient Greek.
Etymology
Ultimately from Latin Leo and leo (“lion”), from Ancient Greek Λέων (Léōn) and λέων (léōn, “lion”), likely ultimately from a non-Indo-European language. Sometimes via other related languages such as French Léon and sometimes as a diminutive of related names such as Leonard and Leonardo.
How popular is Leon?
Since 1880, 1,436 girls and 182,638 boys in the U.S. have been named Leon (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1066 in 1908. Its highest rank for boys was #73 in 1926. In 2025 it ranked #138 for boys, with 2,583 babies given the name.
Names similar to Leon
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Latin or Ancient Greek boy names
Sibling name ideas for Leon
Sister and brother names that share Leon's Latin or Ancient Greek roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Leon FAQ
What does the name Leon mean?
Leon traces back to a root meaning "lion". A male given name from Latin or Ancient Greek. Ultimately from Latin Leo and leo (“lion”), from Ancient Greek Λέων (Léōn) and λέων (léōn, “lion”), likely ultimately from a non-Indo-European language. Sometimes via other related languages such as French Léon and sometimes as a diminutive of related names such as Leonard and Leonardo.
What is the origin of the name Leon?
Leon is listed as a name of Latin or Ancient Greek origin.
How popular is the name Leon?
Since 1880, 1,436 girls and 182,638 boys in the U.S. have been named Leon (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1066 in 1908. Its highest rank for boys was #73 in 1926. In 2025 it ranked #138 for boys, with 2,583 babies given the name.
Is Leon a boy or girl name?
Leon is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 1,436 girls and 182,638 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.