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

Popularity of Leon by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 2,447 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Leon.

The history of the first name Leon

The name Leon has its origins in the ancient Greek language, deriving from the word "leon" which means "lion." The name's roots can be traced back to the 5th century BC, when it was used to describe the majestic and powerful lion, a revered animal in Greek mythology and culture.

In ancient Greece, the name Leon was often given to male children born under the astrological sign of Leo, associated with the lion. The name symbolized strength, courage, and leadership qualities that were highly valued in Greek society. It was also believed that individuals with this name would possess the bravery and nobility of a lion.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Leon can be found in the works of ancient Greek historians and philosophers, such as Herodotus and Aristotle. They mention various individuals bearing this name, indicating its widespread use during that time period.

Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Leon. One of the most famous was Leon I, also known as Leo the Great, who served as the Bishop of Rome from 440 to 461 AD. He is remembered for his influential theological writings and his role in defending Rome against the Huns led by Attila.

Another prominent Leon was Leon VI, the Byzantine Emperor who ruled from 886 to 912 AD. He was renowned for his efforts to revive the Byzantine Empire's military might and his patronage of the arts and sciences. His reign marked a period of cultural and intellectual renaissance in the Byzantine Empire.

In the medieval period, Leon was a popular name among European nobility and royalty. One example is Leon I of Armenia, who reigned as the King of Armenia from 1199 to 1219 AD. He is remembered for his efforts to strengthen the Armenian kingdom and his diplomatic relations with neighboring powers.

During the Renaissance, the name Leon gained further popularity, particularly in Italy. One notable figure from this era was Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472), an Italian Renaissance humanist known for his contributions to architecture, art, and literature.

Another famous Leon was Leon Trotsky (1879-1940), a Marxist revolutionary and prominent figure in the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. He played a key role in the establishment of the Soviet Union and served as the People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs and the founder of the Red Army.

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 Leon was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!