Leo: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced LEE-oh · 2 syllables
Leo means “lion”, from Latin.
From Latin leo (“lion”), calque of Ancient Greek (leon), calque of Akkadian (nesu)/Akkadian (urgulu), from Sumerian (UR.GU.LA, “lion; name of constellation”). Doublet of Leon, leu, lev, lion, and Lyon.
- Meaning
- lion
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- LEE-oh
- US rank (2025)
- #19
- US babies a year
- about 8,077 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2020
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Rising, Classic
How popular is Leo?
Leo was the #19 name in the US in 2025, given to 8,196 babies. It’s rising: up 134% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
Most popular in Illinois (#8), Minnesota (#9), South Dakota (#9).
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #19 |
| England & Wales | #6 |
| Scotland | #4 |
| Northern Ireland | #11 |
| Ireland | #10 |
| France | #3 |
| Norway | #28 |
| Canada | #3 |
| Australia | #6 |
How old are people named Leo?
Half of US adults named Leo are older than 61; most are between 19 and 88. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Leo
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Leo have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Leo
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
- The most popular boy names in the US
- Classic boy names
- Vintage boy names
- Comeback boy names
- Rising boy names
- Latin boy names
- Short baby names (4 letters or fewer)
Questions about Leo
What does the name Leo mean?
Leo means “lion”. It comes from Latin.
How do you pronounce Leo?
Leo is pronounced LEE-oh.
How popular is the name Leo?
Leo was the #19 name in the US in 2025, given to 8,196 babies. It’s rising: up 134% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
How old are people named Leo?
Half of US adults named Leo are older than 61. Most are between 19 and 88.