NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Leo

What is the origin of the name Leo?

The name Leo is derived from Latin and Greek origins. It is ultimately a short form of various names that were originally derived from Leo, the Latin word for lion. In Greek, the equivalent is Λέων (Léōn). The name Leo has been in use since ancient Roman times and was popular among early Christian saints, including Saint Leo I the Great. It has continued to be a commonly used given name in various cultures and languages throughout history.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the first name Leo

Unlock the Secrets of Your First Name Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your First Name Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my first name's origin now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the name Leo

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Leo

The name Leo is derived from Latin and means "lion." It is often associated with courage, strength, and majesty, as lions are known for their powerful and fearless nature. In Roman mythology, Leo was the fifth astrological sign of the zodiac, representing those born between July 23 and August 22. The name Leo has been used throughout history, with notable individuals such as Saint Leontius (485-543), a Byzantine monk and writer, and Leo I the Great (401-474), a Roman Emperor, bearing this name. In more modern times, famous people named Leo include actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Leo Messi, a prominent soccer player. The name Leo is popular across many cultures due to its strong association with bravery and power.

Character traits associated with the name Leo

Leo, derived from Latin, meaning "lion," is often associated with individuals who embody courage, strength, and leadership. People named Leo are frequently characterized by their assertive and confident personalities. They are known for having a strong sense of self and an unwavering determination to achieve their goals. Leos are natural leaders, possessing charisma and the ability to command attention in social situations. However, they can also be stubborn at times, preferring to lead rather than follow. Leo individuals are warm-hearted, generous, and enjoy being the center of attention, making them popular and well-liked among their peers. Their passion and zest for life make them dynamic and entertaining companions. Overall, a Leo embodies boldness, courage, and leadership qualities, making them an inspiring and influential figure in many aspects of life.

Popularity of the name Leo

The name Leo is a popular choice globally, particularly among boys. Its origin traces back to Latin and Roman mythology, where it was associated with the lion, a symbol of strength and courage. In the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration, Leo consistently ranks within the top 500 most popular names for babies, with varying positions over the years. Internationally, its popularity also varies but is generally high in countries such as Italy, Germany, France, and Portugal, due to cultural and linguistic ties. In recent times, celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio have contributed to the enduring appeal of the name Leo.

Famous people with the name Leo

Leo is a name associated with notable figures across various fields, including entertainment, sports, and politics. In the world of entertainment, Leonardo DiCaprio, an American actor known for his roles in films such as Titanic, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Inception, has gained international acclaim. Politically, Sir Leo Abse, a Welsh politician who served as a Member of Parliament from 1962 to 1987, made significant contributions in the areas of health, education, and LGBT rights. In sports, Lionel Messi, often referred to as 'Leo', is an Argentine footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He has played for Barcelona and the Argentina national team. Lastly, Leo Tolstoy, a Russian writer, is famous for novels such as War and Peace and Anna Karenina. His works are considered masterpieces of world literature.

Variations of the name Leo

Leo is a popular masculine given name with various spelling and linguistic variations across different languages and cultures. The most common English version is Leon or Leone, which are derived from Latin origins, meaning "lion." In Greek, the name is spelled León (Λέων), while in other Slavic languages like Russian (Леонид/Leonid) and Polish (Leon), it retains a similar pronunciation. Spanish and Italian versions are León and Leone respectively, while in Scandinavian countries, the name is known as Leif or Lief, although they do not directly translate to lion but have separate Norse roots. The diminutive forms include Leo, Leonel, Lenny, Lee, and Lionel, which can be found in English-speaking nations. These variations showcase the versatility and enduring popularity of this regal name.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 24 July 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Leo negao (First name)

forenames > leo-negao

The first name "Leo Negao" likely originates from Brazil. "Leo" is a common shortened form of the name Leonardo or Leandro, both of which have Latin origins meaning "lion." "Negao"...

Leodenis (First name)

forenames > leodenis

The name "Leodenis" is of Cuban origin.

Leon diccap (First name)

forenames > leon-diccap

The first name "Leon" is of Greek origin, meaning "lion". The last name "DiCaprio" is of Italian origin, meaning "of Capri". Leonardo DiCaprio is a famous American actor.

Leon idare (First name)

forenames > leon-idare

The name Leonidare has origins in English and Greek. In English, the name is a variant of the name Leonard, which comes from the Old High German name Leonhard, meaning "lion-strong...

Leon nico d (First name)

forenames > leon-nico-d

The first name Leon Nico D likely has European origins, with "Leon" being of Greek origin meaning "lion" or "brave," "Nico" being of Italian or Spanish origin as a short form of Ni...

Leonai (First name)

forenames > leonai

The first name "Leonai" has Hebrew origins, derived from the name "Leona" which means "lioness."

Leonard (First name)

forenames > leonard

Leonard is an Old English given name, derived from the Old French "Leonard" and ultimately from the Latin "Leo-nardus," which means "lion's strong one" or "brave as a lion." The na...

Leonardo (First name)

forenames > leonardo

Leonardo is an Italian given name that originated from the Latin name Leontius, which means "lion-like" or "lionhearted." The name became popular in Italy during the Middle Ages an...

Leonardodavinci (First name)

forenames > leonardodavinci

The name "Leonardo" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Old High German name "Leonhard," which is composed of elements meaning "lion" and "brave, hardy." The addition of "...

Leonelle (First name)

forenames > leonelle

The first name "Leonelle" is derived from the masculine given name "Leo," which originates from Latin. "Leo" means "lion" in Latin and has been a popular name choice throughout his...

Leonelli (First name)

forenames > leonelli

The name Leonelli is an Italian variation of the male given name Leonello, which is derived from the Latin name Leonellus, a diminutive form of Leo (Lion). The name Leo itself has ...

Leonelsilva (First name)

forenames > leonelsilva

The name "Leonel" is of Spanish origin and is derived from the Latin name "Leo," which means "lion." "Silva" is also of Spanish origin and means "forest" or "woodland."

Leonhart (First name)

forenames > leonhart

Leonhart is a medieval German variant of the name Lionheart, which was originally a nickname given to individuals who displayed courage and bravery, similar to the modern-day inter...

Leonid (First name)

forenames > leonid

Leonid is a masculine given name of Greek origin. The name derives from the Greek word "Leon," which means lion, and is used to create various names that mean "lion" or "like a lio...

Leonidio (First name)

forenames > leonidio

The name Leonidio has its origin in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek name Leonidas, which means "lion-like" or "son of the lion".