Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Leonard
BoyGermanic, English· “brave lion”
- Meaning
- brave lion
- Origin
- Germanic, English
- Pronunciation
- LEN-urd
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #637
- US babies 2025
- 438
- Best rank
- #37 (1923)
- Peak year
- 1921
Meaning and origin of Leonard
Leonard is a Germanic and English name that means “brave lion”.
Leonard comes from the Germanic name Leonhard, combining leon, meaning lion, and hard, meaning brave or hardy. Saint Leonard of Noblac, a French hermit, was widely venerated in medieval Europe as a patron of prisoners. The name came to England with the Normans and became common in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Leonardo da Vinci carried the Italian form. Notable modern bearers include the composer Leonard Bernstein and the songwriter Leonard Cohen. Today Leonard feels vintage and dignified, with Leo and Lenny as friendly nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Lenard, Lennard.
Popularity over time
Leonard 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 #37 in 1923, and the most babies received it in 1921, when 5,650 were named Leonard. In 2025, 438 babies were named Leonard, and it ranked #637 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #38 in 1920, #77 in 1950, #193 in 1980, #508 in 2000, #626 in 2010, and #637 in 2025. Of the 294,334 US boys named Leonard since records began, 18% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 44,289 babies. Since 2010, 6,379 more have been named Leonard.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Ernest, Earl, Louis, Clarence, and Edwin.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Leonard ranked highest in Montana, South Dakota, and Minnesota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | #188 | 7 |
| South Dakota | #246 | 6 |
| Minnesota | #282 | 22 |
| Kansas | #371 | 10 |
| New Mexico | #403 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Leonard is usually pronounced LEN-urd, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with L and ends in “-rd”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Lenard and Lennard.
Middle names for Leonard
A few middle names that flow with Leonard: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Leonard
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Lists that include Leonard
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leonard mean?
Leonard is a Germanic and English name that means “brave lion”.
What is the origin of the name Leonard?
Leonard has Germanic and English roots. Leonard comes from the Germanic name Leonhard, combining leon, meaning lion, and hard, meaning brave or hardy.
Is Leonard a popular name?
Yes. Leonard ranked #637 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Leonard a boy or girl name?
Leonard is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Leonard?
Leonard is usually pronounced LEN-urd. 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