Leon
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Lion — fearless heart and natural leader
Origin: Greek/Latin
Popularity: Ranked #138 in 2025 with 2,583 babies born.
History: Leon derives from the Greek 'leon' and Latin 'leo,' both meaning lion. It was used throughout the ancient Greek and Roman worlds and spread through Christian Europe via saints and popes, including multiple popes named Leo who bore the related form. Leon Trotsky, the Russian revolutionary, and other historical figures brought the name into the modern era. It has seen a strong revival in English-speaking countries in the 21st century.
Name length: 4 letters
How common is Leon? About 1 in 1,289 babies born in 2025 were named Leon, or roughly 7.1 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Leon
What does the name Leon mean?
Leon means “Lion — fearless heart and natural leader” from Greek/Latin roots.
What is the origin of the name Leon?
Leon has Greek/Latin origin. The traditional meaning is “Lion — fearless heart and natural leader”.
How popular is Leon?
Leon ranked #138 in 2025 — given to 2,583 babies that year.
When was Leon most popular?
Leon peaked in 1924 with 2,677 babies registered that year.
Is Leon a boy or girl name?
Leon is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Leons in registered births are male.
Is the name Leon rising or falling in popularity?
Leon has risen 13408 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #13546 in 2020 to #138 in 2025.
How long has Leon been recorded?
Leon appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.