boy name · Latin origin
Leo
/ LEE-oh /
Meaning
Leo means Lion (Latin).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Latin
Pronunciation
LEE-oh
Popularity
#19 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Leo in the US, 1880–2025
Leo first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2022, when 8,293 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 8,173.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Leo mean?
Leo is the Latin word for “lion,” long associated with courage and strength, and shared with the zodiac sign.
Variants & spellings
- Leon
- Leone
Names like Leo
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leo mean?
Leo means Lion. Leo is the Latin word for “lion,” long associated with courage and strength, and shared with the zodiac sign.
What is the origin of the name Leo?
Leo is of Latin origin.
How do you pronounce Leo?
Leo is pronounced “LEE-oh.”
Is Leo a boy or a girl name?
Leo is most commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Leo?
In 2025, Leo ranked #19 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Leo most popular?
Leo was most popular in 2022, when about 8,293 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.