Leonardo

“Brave lion”

Italy origin · Boy name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#84US 2023

4kBirths / yr

↓Falling

75.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 1885🏆 5 years in top 1000.25% of births at peak

How to pronounce Leonardo

lee·un·AH·rdoh

/ˌliː.ən.ˈɑ.rdoʊ/ · stress on AH · 4 syllables

“Brave lion”

Italy origin · Boy name

What does Leonardo mean and where does it come from?

Leonardo is traditionally a male name of Italian origin, meaning 'brave lion'. However, it has been used in recent years as a unisex name, particularly in creative and artistic communities. The name honors historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, a quintessential Renaissance artist and thinker.

Cultural significance

Leonardo has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Italy-speaking communities, where it reflects values of brave lion.

Peak popularity

Reached #86 in 2019 — currently #84 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Leonardo?

Leonardo works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Leonardo Grace

How popular is Leonardo right now?

Declining — down 9 spots — currently #84 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#84 · Top 0.06%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#84	4,028	▼ down 9 · -8% births
2022	#75	4,364	▲ up 12 · +6% births
2021	#87	4,104	▼ down 1 · +1% births
2020	#86	4,077	▲ up 17 · +7% births
2015	#103	3,819	▲ up 47 · +46% births
2010	#150	2,615	▲ up 36 · +22% births
2005	#186	2,145	▲ up 67 · +61% births
2000	#253	1,330	▲ up 150 · +133% births
1995	#403	570	▲ up 11 · +3% births
1990	#414	556	▲ up 88 · +85% births
1985	#502	301	▼ down 54 · -13% births
1980	#448	346	▲ up 33 · +25% births
1975	#481	277	▲ up 95 · +41% births
1970	#576	196	▲ up 90 · +58% births
1965	#666	124	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Leonardo

Best Year2022Rank #75

Peak Count4,364

Average Rank#595

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1905 - 202327 years

The story of Leonardo

Leonardo has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. Its peak popularity was #86 in 2019. A total of 75,841 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1079 in 1885 to #84 in 2023. Leonardo is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Leonardo in 2019:

Liam Noah Oliver William Elijah

Leonardo by decade

Leonardo peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1900s	38
1910s	256
1920s	508
1930s	427
1940s	525
1950s	877
1960s	1,399
1970s	2,462
1980s	3,211
1990s	7,325
2000s	19,523
2010s ★	35,208
2020s	4,077

What are good nicknames for Leonardo?

ENGLISH

LenLennieLenny

SWEDISH

Lelle

ITALIAN

Leonarda

What names sound and feel like Leonardo?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leonardo also consider these

Leobardo

Spain · Spanish

Leonaldo

Portuguese-speaking countries · Latin

Italy · Wealthy guardian.

Reinardo

Spain · Spanish

How is Leonardo written in other languages?

What are the girl versions of Leonardo?

Leonarda ITALIAN

Common questions about the name Leonardo

What does the name Leonardo mean?

Leonardo means "Brave lion" — a name rooted in Italy 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 Leonardo?

Leonardo is currently ranked #84 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Leonardo?

Leonardo originates from Italy tradition. Italy 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 Leonardo?

Leonardo is a four-syllable name pronounced L IY2 AH0 N AA1 R D OW0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Leonardo?

Leonardo pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Italy heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.