Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Leon
BoyGreek· “lion”
- Meaning
- lion
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- LEE-on
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #138
- US babies 2025
- 2,583
- Best rank
- #73 (1926)
- Peak year
- 1924
Meaning and origin of Leon
Leon is a Greek name that means “lion”.
Leon comes from the Greek leon, meaning "lion," and has been used as a personal name since ancient times. It is closely related to Leo, the name borne by many popes, and was common in the Byzantine world and later across Europe. Several kings of Armenia were named Leon, and in Spanish-speaking countries León is also a city and a former kingdom. Leon is a familiar name in German, French, Polish and English, which makes it easy to use internationally. It has a strong, straightforward sound, and its lion meaning gives it a quiet sense of courage.
Popularity over time
Leon has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #73 in 1926, and the most babies received it in 1924, when 2,677 were named Leon. In 2025, 2,583 babies were named Leon, and it ranked #138 nationally. That is 127% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #75 in 1920, #119 in 1950, #248 in 1980, #500 in 2000, #418 in 2010, and #138 in 2025. Of the 182,638 US boys named Leon since records began, 14% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 23,578 babies. Since 2010, 25,878 more have been named Leon.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Wallace, Arnold, Clifford, Roland, and Hubert.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Leon ranked highest in Vermont, Hawaii, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | #60 | 8 |
| Hawaii | #83 | 11 |
| Washington | #91 | 83 |
| New York | #95 | 188 |
| California | #96 | 416 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Leon is usually pronounced LEE-on, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-on”.
Middle names for Leon
A few middle names that flow with Leon: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Leon
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Lists that include Leon
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leon mean?
Leon is a Greek name that means “lion”.
What is the origin of the name Leon?
Leon has Greek roots. Leon comes from the Greek leon, meaning "lion," and has been used as a personal name since ancient times.
Is Leon a popular name?
Yes. Leon ranked #138 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Leon a boy or girl name?
Leon is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Leon?
Leon is usually pronounced LEE-on. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings