What does Leontine mean and where does it come from?
Leontine is derived from the Greek name 'Leontios' which means 'lion'. It was popularized in France. The name has a noble connotation, associated with strength and bravery. Notable people with this name include French actress Leontine Sagan. The name has variations in other languages, including 'Leo
Cultural significance
Leontine has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lioness.
Peak popularity
Reached #725 in 1887 — currently #686 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Leontine?
Leontine works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Leontine Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Leontine Rose
Floral · soft ending
Leontine Mae
Sweet · timeless
Leontine Claire
French influence · crisp
Leontine Jane
Literary · strong
Leontine Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Leontine right now?
Holding steady — currently #686 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #686 | 1,514 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #691 | 1,494 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #696 | 1,464 | ▲ up 13793 · +24300% births |
| 2015 | #14489 | 6 | ▼ down 4022 · +20% births |
| 1980 | #10467 | 5 | ▼ down 3256 · -29% births |
| 1975 | #7211 | 7 | ▼ down 100 · +17% births |
| 1970 | #7111 | 6 | ▼ down 2298 · -25% births |
| 1960 | #4813 | 8 | ▲ up 539 · +60% births |
| 1950 | #5352 | 5 | ▼ down 1924 · -37% births |
| 1945 | #3428 | 8 | ▼ down 182 |
| 1940 | #3246 | 8 | ▼ down 638 · -27% births |
| 1935 | #2608 | 11 | ▼ down 1099 · -59% births |
| 1930 | #1509 | 27 | ▲ up 698 · +59% births |
| 1925 | #2207 | 17 | ▼ down 788 · -47% births |
| 1920 | #1419 | 32 | — |
The story of Leontine
Leontine has been a beloved American name for over 141 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1883. With 1,150 total births recorded, Leontine remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #991 in 1890 to #686 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Leontine in 1887:
Leontine by decade
Leontine peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 53 | |
| 1890s | 117 | |
| 1900s | 143 | |
| 1910s | 217 | |
| 1920s ★ | 241 | |
| 1930s | 141 | |
| 1940s | 102 | |
| 1950s | 65 | |
| 1960s | 35 | |
| 1970s | 25 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 2010s | 6 | |
💎With 1,150 total births, Leontine is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Leontine?
What names sound and feel like Leontine?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leontine also consider these
Common questions about the name Leontine
What does the name Leontine mean?
Leontine means "lioness" — a name rooted in France 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 Leontine?
Leontine is currently ranked #686 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Leontine?
Leontine originates from France tradition. France 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 Leontine?
Leontine is a three-syllable name pronounced L EH0 N T IY1 N IY0. 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 Leontine?
Leontine pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar France heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.