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boy name · Latin origin

Leo

/ LEE-oh /
Boy Latin 2 syllables
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
18801900192019401960198020002020

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.

Is Leo popular?

Near its peak Leo is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2022.

US babies given the name Leo, by decade
2020s 47,481
2010s 44,706
2000s 12,274
1990s 4,738
1980s 4,541
1970s 5,365
1960s 9,487
1950s 15,536
1940s 16,962
1930s 22,864
1920s 36,960
1910s 26,656
1900s 5,629
1890s 4,691
1880s 2,098

Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.

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

  • Léo
  • Leon

Names like Leo

Latin names with a similar feel and popularity.

See all names like Leo →

Names that pair well with Leo

Popular Latin names for a sibling or a middle name.

Compare 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.

Is Leo a popular name right now?

Leo is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2022.

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.

What names are similar to Leo?

Names similar to Leo include Leon, Milo, Felix, Max.

What names go well with Leo?

Latin names that pair well with Leo include Mark, Amanda, Emily, Olivia, Ava.