What does Leopold mean and where does it come from?
The name Leopold has Germanic roots, derived from the elements 'liut' meaning 'people' and 'bald' meaning 'brave' or 'bold'. The name has been used in various royal families across Europe, particularly in Germany and Poland. Notable historical figures include Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor, and vario
Cultural significance
Leopold has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of brave people.
Peak popularity
Reached #598 in 1895 — currently #2001 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Leopold?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Leopold?
Leopold works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Leopold Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Leopold John
One syllable · timeless choice
Leopold Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Leopold Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Leopold Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Leopold Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Leopold right now?
Rising fast — up 70 spots — currently #2001 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2001 | 76 | ▲ up 70 · +4% births |
| 2024 | #2071 | 73 | ▼ down 215 · -15% births |
| 2023 | #1856 | 86 | ▼ down 186 · -17% births |
| 2022 | #1670 | 103 | ▼ down 20 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #1650 | 101 | ▼ down 218 · -15% births |
| 2020 | #1432 | 119 | ▲ up 257 · +29% births |
| 2015 | #1689 | 92 | ▲ up 636 · +67% births |
| 2010 | #2325 | 55 | ▲ up 480 · +45% births |
| 2005 | #2805 | 38 | ▲ up 4051 · +322% births |
| 2000 | #6856 | 9 | ▼ down 2334 · -31% births |
| 1995 | #4522 | 13 | ▼ down 112 · +8% births |
| 1990 | #4410 | 12 | ▲ up 761 · +71% births |
| 1985 | #5171 | 7 | ▲ up 382 · +17% births |
| 1980 | #5553 | 6 | ▼ down 2789 · -57% births |
| 1975 | #2764 | 14 | — |
The story of Leopold
Leopold has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 3,599 total births recorded, Leopold remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #717 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1856 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Leopold in 1895:
Leopold by decade
Leopold peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 44 | |
| 1890s | 62 | |
| 1900s | 83 | |
| 1910s | 468 | |
| 1920s | 560 | |
| 1930s | 268 | |
| 1940s | 188 | |
| 1950s | 185 | |
| 1960s | 127 | |
| 1970s | 125 | |
| 1980s | 94 | |
| 1990s | 124 | |
| 2000s | 346 | |
| 2010s ★ | 806 | |
| 2020s | 268 | |
💎With 3,599 total births, Leopold is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Leopold?
Famous people named Leopold
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Leopold (German philosopher)
Leopold used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
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Leopold (Norse explorer)
Leopold carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
L(
Leopold (medieval German ruler)
Leopold bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
L(
Leopold (Norse explorer)
Leopold carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Leopold?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leopold also consider these
How is Leopold written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Leopold?
Common questions about the name Leopold
What does the name Leopold mean?
Leopold means "brave people" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Leopold?
Leopold is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Leopold?
Leopold originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Leopold?
Leopold is a three-syllable name pronounced LEE-up-ohld. 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 Leopold?
Leopold pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Germanic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.