What does Leo mean and where does it come from?
Leo is traditionally a male name derived from the Latin word 'leo', which means 'lion'. In a modern context, Leo has also been adopted as a female name, though less commonly. The name is prevalent in various cultures, including Italian, where it is seen as a diminutive of names like Leonora. Histori
Cultural significance
Leo has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lion.
Peak popularity
Reached #36 in 2020 — currently #18 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Leo?
Leo works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Leo Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Leo Rose
Floral · soft ending
Leo Claire
French influence · crisp
Leo Jane
Literary · strong
Leo Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Leo right now?
Holding steady — currently #18 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #18 | 8,152 | ▲ up 4 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #22 | 8,290 | ▲ up 9 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #31 | 7,802 | ▲ up 5 · +9% births |
| 2020 | #36 | 7,159 | ▲ up 55 · +56% births |
| 2015 | #91 | 4,594 | ▲ up 100 · +137% births |
| 2010 | #191 | 1,942 | ▲ up 68 · +53% births |
| 2005 | #259 | 1,272 | ▲ up 129 · +94% births |
| 2000 | #388 | 657 | ▲ up 97 · +47% births |
| 1995 | #485 | 446 | ▼ down 9 · +4% births |
| 1990 | #476 | 430 | ▼ down 72 · -4% births |
| 1985 | #404 | 447 | ▼ down 37 · -6% births |
| 1980 | #367 | 474 | ▼ down 31 · -8% births |
| 1975 | #336 | 516 | ▼ down 42 · -27% births |
| 1970 | #294 | 703 | ▼ down 47 · -22% births |
| 1965 | #247 | 904 | — |
The story of Leo
Leo has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #36 in 2020. More than 221,504 babies have been named Leo since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #92 in 1880 to #18 in 2023. Leo is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Leo in 2020:
Leo by decade
Leo peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 2,159 | |
| 1890s | 4,825 | |
| 1900s | 5,784 | |
| 1910s | 27,050 | |
| 1920s | 37,456 | |
| 1930s | 23,081 | |
| 1940s | 17,071 | |
| 1950s | 15,610 | |
| 1960s | 9,540 | |
| 1970s | 5,423 | |
| 1980s | 4,583 | |
| 1990s | 4,745 | |
| 2000s | 12,300 | |
| 2010s ★ | 44,687 | |
| 2020s | 7,190 | |
What are good nicknames for Leo?
ENGLISH
LeolaLeonaLeoneLeontyne
Famous people named Leo
LD
Leonardo DiCaprio
Academy Award-winning actor and environmental activist, known universally by his nickname Leo
LT
Leo Tolstoy
Russian author of War and Peace and Anna Karenina, considered one of the greatest novelists ever
LM
Leo Messi
Argentine football legend widely considered the greatest footballer of all time, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner
PL
Pope Leo I (the Great)
Fifth-century pope who negotiated with Attila the Hun and is one of two popes called "the Great"
LB
Leo Burnett
Pioneering American advertising executive who created iconic figures like the Marlboro Man and Tony the Tiger
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Leo?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leo also consider these
How is Leo written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Leo?
Common questions about the name Leo
What does the name Leo mean?
Leo means "lion" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Leo?
Leo is currently ranked #18 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Leo have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Leo?
Leo originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Leo?
Leo is a two-syllable name pronounced L IY1 OW0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Leo trending right now?
Leo is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.