Find out how popular the first name Leo has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Leo by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Leo is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Leo being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8,120 male babies and 28 female babies born with the name Leo.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 28 baby girls were named Leo in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Leo

The name Leo derives from the Latin word "leo" meaning lion. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, where the lion was a symbol of strength, courage, and power. The name was likely inspired by the astrological sign Leo, represented by the lion constellation.

In ancient Roman mythology, Leo was associated with the Nemean lion, a legendary creature slain by the hero Hercules as one of his twelve labors. This connection added to the name's symbolic significance and made it a popular choice for Roman boys.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Leo can be found in the Bible's New Testament. Leo the Great, also known as Pope Saint Leo I, was a prominent figure who served as the Bishop of Rome from 440 to 461 AD. He is renowned for his influential theological writings and his role in defending the city of Rome from the Huns.

During the Middle Ages, the name Leo continued to be used across Europe, particularly in Italy and other regions with strong Roman Catholic traditions. Notable bearers of the name include Leo III, who served as Pope from 795 to 816 AD, and Leo IX, who reigned as Pope from 1049 to 1054.

In the Renaissance period, Leo X, born Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici (1475-1521), was a influential Pope who sponsored artists and scholars during the High Renaissance. His patronage contributed to the flourishing of arts and culture in Rome.

Another famous Leo was Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910), the renowned Russian novelist and philosopher, best known for his literary masterpieces such as "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina." His works explored complex themes of human nature, social injustice, and spiritual awakening.

Leo Szilard (1898-1964), a Hungarian-American physicist, played a crucial role in the initiation of the Manhattan Project, which led to the development of the first atomic bomb. He was also a prominent advocate for the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the regulation of nuclear weapons.

Throughout history, the name Leo has been associated with strength, courage, and leadership, reflecting its origins as a symbol of the mighty lion. Its enduring popularity across cultures and time periods attests to its timeless appeal and symbolic significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Leo was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Leo, please contact us.

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