Boys · #19 in 2025
Leo: Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Origin
- Latin; also a short form of longer names
- Meaning
- Lion
- Pronunciation
- LEE-oh
- Nickname options
- Usually used in full
Origin and meaning
Leo is the Latin word for lion and an established given name. It also serves as a short form of names such as Leonard and Leonardo. Used independently, it does not require a longer form to be complete.
U.S. popularity
Leo ranked #19 for boys in the United States in 2025, with 8,173 boys given this spelling. Its highest recorded U.S. rank was #18, reached in 2023. Historical coverage: 1880–2025. Peak refers to rank, not the largest number of births.
Source: Social Security Administration; historical peaks calculated from its national name files. Rankings count each spelling separately within the listed sex.
The Hello Baby Names take
Leo feels bright and warm. Its two open syllables have plenty of personality despite the tiny spelling, and the lion association gives it a clear image. It suits parents who want a short name that feels confident without a hard edge.
Things to consider
Leo, Leonardo, and other longer forms contribute to how often the nickname is heard. The rank here covers babies registered as Leo only.
If you love Leo, consider…
- Theo: Shares the friendly two-syllable ending.
- Luca: Adds a firmer central consonant.
- Milo: Keeps the warm, open-vowel rhythm.
- Ezra: Brings a more distinctive middle sound.
- Levi: Offers a sharper final vowel.
- Hugo: Adds a sturdier, rounded alternative.
- Leonardo: Provides a longer form with Leo available.
- Noah: Softens the sound into another compact choice.