What does Leone mean and where does it come from?
Leone is derived from the Latin name 'Leo', meaning lion. It is a popular choice in Italian and some Spanish-speaking regions. The name suggests strength and courage, similar to the qualities of a lion. Although traditionally feminine forms of 'Leo' like Leonora are more common, Leone stands out as
Cultural significance
Leone has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Italy-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lioness.
Peak popularity
Reached #335 in 1904 — currently #14189 in the US.
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Related Reading
Italy-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How popular is Leone right now?
Rising fast — up 2466 spots — currently #14189 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #14189 | 6 | ▲ up 2466 · +20% births |
| 2024 | #16655 | 5 | ▼ down 12367 · -80% births |
| 2023 | #4288 | 25 | ▲ up 232 · +9% births |
| 2022 | #4520 | 23 | ▲ up 54 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #4574 | 22 | ▲ up 5601 · +144% births |
| 2020 | #10175 | 9 | ▲ up 1647 · +13% births |
| 2015 | #11822 | 8 | ▲ up 3129 · +33% births |
| 2010 | #14951 | 6 | ▼ down 441 |
| 2005 | #14510 | 6 | ▼ down 6326 · -14% births |
| 1980 | #8184 | 7 | ▼ down 1807 |
| 1970 | #6377 | 7 | ▼ down 556 · +17% births |
| 1965 | #5821 | 6 | ▼ down 1891 · -45% births |
| 1960 | #3930 | 11 | ▼ down 1513 · -48% births |
| 1955 | #2417 | 21 | ▼ down 359 · -5% births |
| 1950 | #2058 | 22 | — |
The story of Leone
Leone has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 6,472 total births recorded, Leone remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #712 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #4288 in 2023. Leone is used for both genders: 95% female and 5% male.
Names that peaked alongside Leone in 1904:
Leone by decade
Leone peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 125 | |
| 1890s | 417 | |
| 1900s | 874 | |
| 1910s ★ | 1,863 | |
| 1920s | 1,492 | |
| 1930s | 681 | |
| 1940s | 356 | |
| 1950s | 205 | |
| 1960s | 101 | |
| 1970s | 28 | |
| 1980s | 12 | |
| 1990s | 31 | |
| 2000s | 63 | |
| 2010s | 198 | |
| 2020s | 85 | |
💎With 6,472 total births, Leone is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Leone?
Common questions about the name Leone
What does the name Leone mean?
Leone means "lioness" — 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 Leone?
Leone is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Leone have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Leone?
Leone 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 Leone?
Leone is a two-syllable name pronounced lee-OHN. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Leone trending right now?
Leone is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.