Leonid

“son of the lion.”

Russia origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#4289US 2023

25Births / yr

↓Falling

371All-time births

📅 Since 195900

How to pronounce Leonid

LEE·un·id

/ˈliː.ən.ɪd/ · stress on LEE · 3 syllables

“son of the lion.”

Russia origin · Boy name

What does Leonid mean and where does it come from?

The name Leonid (Леонид) comes from the Greek name Leonidas, meaning 'son of the lion.' It has been a common name in Russia and other Slavic countries. Leonid has historical significance, particularly in Russia, where it has been borne by several notable figures, including Leonid Brezhnev, the Gener

Cultural significance

Leonid has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Russia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.

Peak popularity

Reached #3898 in 2016 — currently #4289 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Leonid?

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

Leonid Grace

How popular is Leonid right now?

Falling — down 552 spots — currently #4289 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1995–2023#4289 · Top 3.2%

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#4289	25	▼ down 552 · -17% births
2022	#3737	30	▲ up 223 · +11% births
2021	#3960	27	▲ up 1085 · +50% births
2020	#5045	18	▲ up 295 · +6% births
2015	#5340	17	▼ down 29
2010	#5311	17	▲ up 1918 · +70% births
2005	#7229	10	▲ up 2178 · +67% births
2000	#9407	6	▼ down 1329
1995	#8078	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Leonid

Best Year2022Rank #3737

Peak Count30

Average Rank#5822

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1995 - 20239 years

The story of Leonid

Leonid entered American naming records in 1959 and has been in use for over 65 years. With 371 total births recorded, Leonid remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8078 in 1995 to #4289 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Leonid in 2016:

Noah Liam William Mason James

Leonid by decade

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

Decade	Births
1950s	5
1970s	7
1980s	10
1990s	33
2000s	107
2010s ★	191
2020s	18

💎Leonid has only 371 total recorded births since 1959 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Leonid?

Common

LeoLeonLeonieLeonyOnid

What names sound and feel like Leonid?

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

Leonis

Italy · Lioness

Leodis

Greece · lion strength or

Leotis

American · Meaning 'the lion'

Levid

English · joined or attached

Enid

Welsh · Life

Lennix

American · A modern variant

Legin

Russia · Russian

Lennin

English · Descendant of the

How is Leonid written in other languages?

Леонид

Russian), Леонід (Ukrainian

What are the girl versions of Leonid?

Léonide FRENCH

Common questions about the name Leonid

What does the name Leonid mean?

Leonid means "Greek" — a name rooted in Russia 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 Leonid?

Leonid is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Leonid have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Leonid?

Leonid originates from Russia tradition. Russia 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 Leonid?

Leonid is a three-syllable name pronounced L IY1 AH0 N IH0 D. 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 Leonid?

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