Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Leona
GirlLatin, Greek· “lion”
- Meaning
- lion
- Origin
- Latin, Greek
- Pronunciation
- lee-OH-nuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #429
- US babies 2025
- 723
- Best rank
- #69 (1904)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Leona
Leona is a Latin and Greek name that means “lion”.
Leona is the feminine form of Leon, from the Greek leon and Latin leo, "lion." It was used in the English-speaking world from the nineteenth century and had its peak in the early twentieth century. The name has a vintage, dignified feel and pairs well with other revived names like Leonora and Eleanor. The singer Leona Lewis is a well-known modern bearer. Leona can be shortened to Leo, Lee or Nona, and it gives the lion image a softer, more graceful form. It fits comfortably with both classic and modern middle names.
Popularity over time
Leona 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 119 different years. Its best national rank was #69 in 1904, and the most babies received it in 1918, when 3,335 were named Leona. In 2025, 723 babies were named Leona, and it ranked #429 nationally. That is 73% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #89 in 1920, #298 in 1950, #904 in 1980, #1,639 in 2000, #990 in 2010, and #429 in 2025. Of the 113,330 US girls named Leona since records began, 23% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 23,825 babies. Since 2010, 8,054 more have been named Leona.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Genevieve, Lillie, Marguerite, Jennie, and Alma.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Leona ranked highest in Montana, Wisconsin, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | #131 | 8 |
| Wisconsin | #232 | 24 |
| Washington | #234 | 31 |
| Pennsylvania | #263 | 42 |
| Massachusetts | #268 | 22 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Leona is usually pronounced lee-OH-nuh, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with L and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Leona
A few middle names that flow with Leona: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Leona
Similar names
Christina Girl
krihs-TEE-nuh
“follower of Christ” · Latin
#770
Helena Girl
HEH-luh-nuh
“uncertain; possibly torch or light” · Greek
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Selina Girl
suh-LEE-nuh
“uncertain; possibly moon” · Greek
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Corina Girl
kaw-REE-nuh
“maiden” · Greek
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Margaret Girl
MAHR-gur-iht
“pearl” · Greek
#112
Athena Girl
uh-THEE-nuh
Greek
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Diana Girl
dy-AN-uh
“divine” · Latin
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Julianna Girl
joo-lee-AN-uh
“from Julius, possibly 'youthful'” · Latin
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Selena Girl
suh-LEE-nuh
“moon” · Greek
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Joanna Girl
joh-AN-uh
“God is gracious” · Latin
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Adrianna Girl
ay-dree-AN-uh
“from Hadria” · Latin
#872
Sabrina Girl
suh-BREE-nuh
“from the Latin name of the River Severn” · Latin
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Lists that include Leona
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leona mean?
Leona is a Latin and Greek name that means “lion”.
What is the origin of the name Leona?
Leona has Latin and Greek roots. Leona is the feminine form of Leon, from the Greek leon and Latin leo, "lion." It was used in the English-speaking world from the nineteenth century and had its peak in the early twentieth century.
Is Leona a popular name?
Yes. Leona ranked #429 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Leona a boy or girl name?
Leona is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Leona?
Leona is usually pronounced lee-OH-nuh. 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