Leon: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced LEE-ahn · 2 syllables
Leon means “lion”, from Greek.
Ultimately from Latin Leo and leo (“lion”), from Ancient Greek (Leon) and (leon, “lion”), likely ultimately from a non-Indo-European language. Sometimes via other related languages such as French Leon and sometimes as a diminutive of related names such as Leonard and Leonardo.
- Meaning
- lion
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- LEE-ahn
- US rank (2025)
- #138
- US babies a year
- about 2,439 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1920
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Rising, Classic
How popular is Leon?
Leon was the #138 name in the US in 2025, given to 2,583 babies. It’s rising: up 154% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1920.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #138 |
| England & Wales | #93 |
| Scotland | #74 |
| Northern Ireland | #103 |
| Ireland | #76 |
| France | #11 |
| Norway | #46 |
| Canada | #76 |
| Australia | #74 |
How old are people named Leon?
Half of US adults named Leon are older than 64; most are between 25 and 87. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Leon
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Leon have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
- Margarit
- Leron
- Meha
- Marie-Claire
- Jules
- Lucien
- Paul
- Eugene
Names like Leon
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Leon
What does the name Leon mean?
Leon means “lion”. It comes from Greek.
How do you pronounce Leon?
Leon is pronounced LEE-ahn.
How popular is the name Leon?
Leon was the #138 name in the US in 2025, given to 2,583 babies. It’s rising: up 154% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1920.
How old are people named Leon?
Half of US adults named Leon are older than 64. Most are between 25 and 87.