Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Leonardo
BoyItalian, Germanic· “brave as a lion”
- Meaning
- brave as a lion
- Origin
- Italian, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- lee-uh-NAHR-doh
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #91
- US babies 2025
- 3,789
- Best rank
- #75 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2019
Meaning and origin of Leonardo
Leonardo is an Italian and Germanic name that means “brave as a lion”.
Leonardo is the Italian form of Leonard, a Germanic name built from elements meaning "lion" and "brave" or "hardy". Saint Leonard of Noblac, a Frankish hermit venerated across medieval Europe, spread the name widely. Its most famous bearer is Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance painter, engineer and inventor, whose name alone suggests curiosity and genius. The name has since been carried by artists, athletes and actors around the world. In English-speaking countries Leonardo feels warm and expressive, with an Italian flair that longer classic names often lack. Leo is the obvious and very popular nickname, while Nardo is a playful alternative.
Popularity over time
Leonardo first appears in US Social Security records in 1885. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 96 different years, starting in 1905. Its best national rank was #75 in 2022, and the most babies received it in 2019, when 4,427 were named Leonardo. In 2025, 3,789 babies were named Leonardo, and it ranked #91 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #962 in 1920, #842 in 1950, #450 in 1980, #253 in 2000, #150 in 2010, and #91 in 2025. Of the 96,066 US boys named Leonardo since records began, 37% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 24,361 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Axel, Jameson, Declan, Carson, and Ryker.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Leonardo ranked highest in Nevada, California, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | #31 | 64 |
| California | #32 | 838 |
| Arizona | #37 | 146 |
| Texas | #39 | 720 |
| Illinois | #44 | 203 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Leonardo is usually pronounced lee-uh-NAHR-doh, with four syllables. It has eight letters, starts with L and ends in “-do”.
Middle names for Leonardo
A few middle names that flow with Leonardo: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Leonardo
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Lists that include Leonardo
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leonardo mean?
Leonardo is an Italian and Germanic name that means “brave as a lion”.
What is the origin of the name Leonardo?
Leonardo has Italian and Germanic roots. Leonardo is the Italian form of Leonard, a Germanic name built from elements meaning "lion" and "brave" or "hardy".
Is Leonardo a popular name?
Yes. Leonardo ranked #91 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Leonardo a boy or girl name?
Leonardo is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Leonardo?
Leonardo is usually pronounced lee-uh-NAHR-doh. 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