Leo

What does the baby name Leo mean? Learn about what Leo means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Leo - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Leo: L-E-O, is a 3-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Leo: LEE-o; LEE oh
Meaning of Leo: Lion, lion man, a lion.
Origin of Leo: The name 'Leo' can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was a popular name among both the aristocracy and the common people. The Romans admired the lion for its majestic appearance and fierce nature, and they believed that those who bore the name 'Leo' would possess similar qualities. The earliest known use of the name can be found in ancient Roman records dating back to the first century BCE.; American Names; British Names; Canadian Names; Christian Names; Classic Names; English Names; French Names; Italian Names; Latin Names; Nature Names; Pet Names; Polish Names; Roman Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Leo: Ander; Leaho; Leander; Leandre; Leandro; Leandros; Lee; Len; Lennie; Leon; Leonard; Leonardo; Leonas; Leonid; Leonidas; Leonis; Leontius; Leopold; Leupold; Lev; Levin; Lion; Lionel; Lonny; Lyon
Popularity of Leo: 'Leo' has remained a consistently popular name throughout history. It has experienced periods of increased usage, often coinciding with cultural or historical events. For example, during the Renaissance, there was a resurgence of interest in classical names, and 'Leo' saw a notable spike in popularity during this time. In recent years, the name has once again seen a rise in popularity, ranking among the top 100 names for boys in many countries.; Leo currently has 825 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Isaac is slightly more popular than Leo.

Etymology of Leo

The etymology of the name 'Leo' can be traced to the ancient Greek word 'leōn', which also means 'lion'. This word, in turn, is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *lew-, meaning 'lion'. The lion has long been a symbol of power and nobility in various cultures, and the name 'Leo' captures the essence of these qualities.

Cultural Significance of Leo

The name 'Leo' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In astrology, 'Leo' is the fifth sign of the zodiac and is associated with the element of fire. Individuals born under this sign are often characterized as confident, passionate, and charismatic. The name 'Leo' is also significant in Christianity, as it is the name of several saints, including Pope 'Leo' I, also known as 'Leo' the Great.