Leonna first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Leonna has been for the last 49 years (from 1976 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Leonna

Feminine variant of Leo or Leon, meaning "lioness" or "brave as a lion".

Popularity of Leonna by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Leonna is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 30 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Leonna.

Year Male Count Female Count
2024 0 30
2023 0 20
2022 0 35
2021 0 32
2020 0 33
2019 0 30
2018 0 33
2017 0 37
2016 0 43
2015 0 31
2014 0 43
2013 0 46
2012 0 42
2011 0 39
2010 0 39
2009 0 48
2008 0 42
2007 0 22
2006 0 34
2005 0 25
2004 0 28
2003 0 31
2002 0 30
2001 0 26
2000 0 28
1999 0 34
1998 0 21
1997 0 19
1996 0 8
1995 0 24
1994 0 20
1993 0 14
1992 0 8
1991 0 17
1990 0 15
1989 0 17
1988 0 13
1987 0 11
1986 0 16
1985 0 14
1984 0 10
1983 0 12
1982 0 12
1981 0 10
1980 0 14
1979 0 8
1978 0 9
1977 0 8
1976 0 5

The history of the first name Leonna

The name Leonna has its roots in the Greek language, originating from the word "leon," which means "lion." It is a feminine form of the male name Leon, and its origins can be traced back to ancient Greece during the classical era.

Historically, the name was closely associated with strength, courage, and nobility, as the lion was often regarded as a symbol of these qualities in Greek mythology. In some ancient texts, the name Leonna was used to refer to brave and valiant women who displayed remarkable fortitude in the face of adversity.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Leonna can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek historian Plutarch, who lived in the 1st century AD. He mentioned a woman named Leonna who was renowned for her bravery during a military conflict.

Throughout the ages, several notable women have borne the name Leonna. One of the most famous was Leonna of Burgundy (1163-1162), a noblewoman and the wife of King Richard I of England, also known as Richard the Lionheart. Another prominent figure was Leonna Vicario (1789-1842), a Mexican patriot and independence activist who played a crucial role in the Mexican War of Independence.

In the realm of literature, the name Leonna has been immortalized in works such as the novel "The Lions of Al-Rassan" by Guy Gavriel Kay, where a character named Leonna is depicted as a strong-willed and courageous woman. Additionally, the name has been used in various works of fiction and poetry, often symbolizing strength and determination.

Other notable individuals who have carried the name Leonna include Leonna Jennings (1911-1998), an American actress and singer, and Leonna Vicario (1789-1842), a Mexican patriot and independence activist.

While the name Leonna has undergone various spellings and variations throughout history, its connection to the lion and the qualities associated with this majestic animal have remained a constant thread, making it a name that evokes a sense of power, resilience, and nobility.

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

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

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"Leonna first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on October 10, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/leonna-meaning-and-history/.

"Leonna first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/leonna-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 10 October, 2025

Leonna first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/leonna-meaning-and-history/.

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