Find out how popular the first name Leonia has been for the last 48 years (from 1974 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Leonia by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Leonia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Leonia.

The history of the first name Leonia

The name Leonia has its origins in the ancient Greek language. It is believed to have derived from the Greek word "leōn," which means "lion." This suggests that the name may have been originally associated with strength, courage, and nobility, characteristics that were often symbolized by the lion in ancient Greek mythology and culture.

In the early days of Christianity, the name Leonia gained popularity as it was borne by several early Christian saints and martyrs. One of the most notable was Saint Leonia, a 3rd-century martyr who was executed during the Roman persecution of Christians under the reign of Emperor Diocletian.

Throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period, the name Leonia was prevalent in various parts of Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain. It was often given to daughters of noble families, indicating a connection to the lion as a symbol of bravery and regal bearing.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Leonia can be found in the writings of the 12th-century Italian philosopher and theologian, Peter Abelard, who mentioned a woman named Leonia in his letters.

Leonia Michiel, a Venetian noblewoman born in 1508, was a prominent figure during the Renaissance. She was known for her patronage of the arts and her support of artists like Titian and Veronese.

In the 19th century, Leonia Shee, an Irish painter born in 1815, gained recognition for her portraits and historical paintings. She exhibited at the Royal Academy in London and was a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy.

Another notable bearer of the name was Leonia Jennie Piper, an American writer and spiritualist born in 1859. She was known for her alleged psychic abilities and was studied extensively by researchers in the field of parapsychology.

Leonia Massine, a Russian ballerina born in 1905, was a prominent figure in the world of dance. She performed with the prestigious Ballets Russes and was celebrated for her grace and technique.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have borne the name Leonia, each contributing to its rich legacy and cultural significance across various fields and eras.

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

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

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