Leonard
Leonard is of German origin, derived from the elements 'leon' meaning 'lion' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong,' translating to 'brave as a lion' or 'lion-hearted.' It has been used across Europe since medieval times, particularly honoring Saint Leonard, the patron saint of prisoners.
Current Popularity
#673 for boys
in the United States (2024)
Popularity over time
Good to Know
- •Easy to spell and pronounce in most languages
- •Offers the popular modern nickname 'Leo' with vintage charm
- •Strong historical and cultural significance across multiple fields
- •Currently experiencing a revival as vintage names return to fashion
Similar Names
Famous People
Leonard Cohen
Singer-songwriter and poet
Leonard Nimoy
Actor, famous for Mr. Spock in Star Trek
Leonardo da Vinci
Renaissance artist and inventor
Leonard Bernstein
Composer and conductor
Statistics
293,884
Total births since 1880
1921
Peak year
Discovery
Keep exploring
Use these paths to keep browsing instead of backing out into a blank search.
Rising now
Browse trending names
See names climbing fastest right now.
Always popular
Explore timeless classics
Find names that have stayed strong for decades.
For this gender
See all-time favorites
Jump into the broadest popularity list.
Stories
Read famous-name profiles
Follow cultural stories that shaped naming trends.
Guides
Browse recent articles
Move from inspiration into editorial advice.