Leo
Leo is a boys' name of Latin origin meaning “lion.” It ranked #19 in the United States in 2025. Leo means 'lion' in Latin and is also a zodiac sign.
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how do you pronounce Leo?
LEE-oh
where does the name Leo come from?
The Latin word for lion, used as a name without change. It is also the constellation and zodiac sign, and the root of Leon, Leonard, Leonardo and Lionel.
Thirteen popes have taken the name. Its punchy one-syllable sound, strong meaning, and international appeal have propelled it into the top 20 across multiple countries.
how popular is this name?
Leo has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #18 in 2023, and ranked #19 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #19 |
| 2024 | #24 |
| 2023 | #18 |
| 2022 | #22 |
| 2021 | #31 |
| 2020 | #36 |
| 2019 | #40 |
| 2018 | #50 |
| 2017 | #62 |
| 2016 | #74 |
| 2010 | #191 |
| 2000 | #388 |
| 1990 | #477 |
| 1980 | #367 |
| 1970 | #294 |
| 1960 | #230 |
| 1950 | #160 |
| 1940 | #112 |
| 1930 | #63 |
| 1920 | #48 |
| 1910 | #51 |
| 1900 | #46 |
| 1890 | #49 |
| 1880 | #92 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Leo fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Leo
Thirteen popes have been called Leo, beginning with Leo the Great, who according to tradition met Attila in 452 and persuaded him to turn back from Rome. Leo Tolstoy carried it into literature. Its modern revival is broad rather than national: it now ranks highly in Britain, Germany, Scandinavia and the United States at the same time.
who are famous people named Leo?
- Leonardo da Vinci (Renaissance polymath)
- Leo Tolstoy (Russian novelist)
- Leonardo DiCaprio (American actor)
what are the nicknames and variants of Leo?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Leo?
what names go well with Leo?
Sibling names that share Leo's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Leo
What does the name Leo mean?
Leo means “lion”.
What is the origin of the name Leo?
Leo comes from the Latin naming tradition. Related forms include Leon, Léo and Leone.
How popular is the name Leo?
Leo ranked #19 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2023, at #18, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Leo a boy or girl name?
Leo is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Leo?
Leo is pronounced LEE-oh, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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