boy name · French origin
Leon
/ lay-OHN /
Meaning
Leon means Lion (French).
Gender
Boy
Origin
French
Pronunciation
lay-OHN
Popularity
#138 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Leon in the US, 1880–2025
Leon first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1924, when 2,677 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 2,583.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Leon mean?
Léon comes from the Latin and Greek for “lion.”
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leon mean?
Leon means Lion. Léon comes from the Latin and Greek for “lion.”
What is the origin of the name Leon?
Leon is of French origin.
How do you pronounce Leon?
Leon is pronounced “lay-OHN.”
Is Leon a boy or a girl name?
Leon is most commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Leon?
In 2025, Leon ranked #138 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Leon most popular?
Leon was most popular in 1924, when about 2,677 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.