Last Name Leone

The last name "Leone" has origins in multiple countries and can be traced back to different sources. 1. Italian origin: "Leone" is an Italian surname, derived from the Italian word for "lion." It is a patronymic or metronymic surname, meaning that it was derived from the given name of an ancestor. It can also be a Jewish surname of Italian origin. 2. Jewish origin: "Leone" is also a Jewish surname, particularly among Sephardi Jews of Spanish or Portuguese descent. It is derived from the Hebrew name "Leah" or "Lea," which means "lioness." 3. French origin: "Leone" can also have French origins. In French, "leone" means "lioness" and is used as a first name, which might have eventually become a surname. It is worth noting that surnames often evolved and changed over time as families migrated or adopted new names, so the origin of a last name can vary depending on the specific family line.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Leone

When examining the ethnic identity associated with the surname Leone, the Decennial U.S. Census data presents a diverse range of identifiers. The majority of individuals with this surname identified as White, although this proportion dropped slightly from 94.60% in 2000 to 93.08% in 2010. The Hispanic population with the Leone surname saw a significant increase of 57.47%, moving from 2.21% to 3.48% over the decade. Other ethnic identities also experienced growth, including Asian/Pacific Islander (increasing by 35.09%), Black (43.02% increase), and American Indian and Alaskan Native (up by 48.39%). However, those identifying as two or more races decreased by 31.94%.

	2000	2010	Change
White	94.6%	93.08%	-1.61%
Hispanic	2.21%	3.48%	57.47%
Black	0.86%	1.23%	43.02%
Two or More Races	1.44%	0.98%	-31.94%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.57%	0.77%	35.09%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.31%	0.46%	48.39%

Leone ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Leone is Italian, which comprises 39.8% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are British & Irish (24.4%) and French & German (12.7%). Additional ancestries include Eastern European, Spanish & Portuguese, Ashkenazi Jewish, Scandinavian, and Greek & Balkan.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
Italian	39.8%
British & Irish	24.4%
French & German	12.7%
Other	23.1%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Leone

The meaning and origin of the last name Leone

The surname Leone is derived from the Italian word "leone," meaning "lion." It is a patronymic name that was originally used to denote someone who displayed attributes associated with the lion, such as strength, courage, and leadership. The lion has long been a symbol of nobility and power in various cultures, and the surname Leone likely originated in Italy during the medieval period.

The surname Leone may have initially been bestowed upon individuals who demonstrated bravery or valor in battle, or who held positions of authority and influence. Over time, it became a hereditary surname passed down through generations. As Italy experienced waves of emigration to other countries, particularly to the Americas, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the surname Leone spread to different parts of the world.

Today, individuals with the surname Leone can be found in various countries, although it still remains most common in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Leone

The last name Leone is primarily found in Italy, specifically in the southern regions. Southern Italy, including regions such as Calabria, Campania, and Sicily, has the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Leone. In these areas, the name can be traced back to historical families and ancient roots. The name may also be sporadically found in other parts of Italy, such as Lazio and Tuscany, but in smaller numbers. Additionally, due to migration patterns, the surname Leone can be found in various countries around the world, as Italian immigrants have settled in different regions. In the United States, for example, the name is most common in areas with a significant Italian-American population, such as New York, New Jersey, and California. Overall, while the geographical distribution of the last name Leone is concentrated in Italy, it can also be found in communities of Italian descent outside of the country.

Variants and spellings of the last name Leone

The last name Leone has various spellings and variations, reflecting historical and regional influences. One common variation is spelled Lione, dropping the final "e." Another variation is Lyon, which may be spelled with a single "o" or have an additional "s" at the end as Lyons. Other variations of Leone include Léon or Léone, where the accent marks emphasize the French origin. In some cases, the name may adopt additional letters at the beginning or middle, such as De Leone or Del Leone, signifying nobility or specific family connections. In non-Italian regions, people with the last name Leone might choose to adapt their surname to fit local phonetics, resulting in spellings like Leoni, Liuni, or Leowne. These variations highlight the rich cultural and historical influences on the name Leone, preserving its lineage across different regions and generations.

Famous people with the last name Leone

One famous individual with the last name Leone is Sergio Leone (1929-1989), an Italian film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest directors in the history of cinema, particularly known for his contributions to the Spaghetti Western genre. Leone directed iconic films such as "A Fistful of Dollars" (1964), "For a Few Dollars More" (1965), and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (1966), which starred Clint Eastwood. These films revolutionized the Western genre by introducing morally ambiguous characters, dramatic cinematography, and innovative use of music. Sergio Leone's unique style and storytelling techniques had a profound impact on the film industry, and his works continue to be celebrated and studied by aspiring filmmakers and cinephiles around the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Leone

The last name Leone is an Italian surname with a fascinating genealogical history. Its origin can be traced back to the Latin word "leo," meaning lion, indicating that the family may have had associations with strength and bravery. The name Leone can be found throughout Italy, particularly in the southern regions, including Calabria, Sicily, and Campania. Research suggests that many individuals with the surname Leone emigrated to various countries, spreading their family roots globally. In particular, there are references to Leone families relocating to the United States, Argentina, and Australia, among others. Numerous branches of the Leone family have flourished over the years, leading to a rich and diverse genealogical tapestry. By exploring the historical records, census data, and archives, one can uncover the intricacies of the Leone family history and the stories behind the individuals who bear this surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Leone"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 11 April 2025

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