Leon
Leon is a boy's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Lion.
Origin and history
Leon is derived from the Greek word for lion and has long roots in ancient Greek history, famously borne by King Leonidas of Sparta. It was adopted across Latin and European cultures and has maintained steady popularity in the United States. Today, it remains a strong, classic choice that has seen a gentle resurgence in modern naming trends.
Popularity in the United States
182,638 babies in the United States have been named Leon since 1880. It ranks #201 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #157.
States where it is most popular
- NY (8.8 %)
- TX (6.6 %)
- CA (6.4 %)
- PA (5.9 %)
- IL (4.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 1,475 |
| 1890-1900 | 2,103 |
| 1900-1910 | 2,859 |
| 1910-1920 | 15,280 |
| 1920-1930 | 25,577 |
| 1930-1940 | 23,005 |
| 1940-1950 | 23,578 |
| 1950-1960 | 21,341 |
| 1960-1970 | 13,823 |
| 1970-1980 | 9,854 |
| 1980-1990 | 7,627 |
| 1990-2000 | 5,176 |
| 2000-2010 | 5,062 |
| 2010-2019 | 11,768 |
| 2020-2029 | 14,110 |
Famous people named Leon
- Leon Trotsky: Revolutionary, Politician
- Leon Bridges: Singer, Songwriter
- Leon Panetta: Politician, Cabinet Official
Fun facts
- The name directly derives from the ancient Greek word for lion, symbolizing strength and courage.
- Leon was the name of several Byzantine emperors and Armenian kings throughout the Middle Ages.