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Leo as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Leo

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The baby name Leo is a Male name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced LEE-oh (US: /ˈliː.oʊ/, UK: /ˈliː.əʊ/).

Leo is Latin in Origin.

Gender: Male
Syllables: 2.0
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LEE-oh (US: /ˈliː.oʊ/, UK: /ˈliː.əʊ/)

What is the meaning of the name Leo ?

The baby name Leo is a Male name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced LEE-oh (US: /ˈliː.oʊ/, UK: /ˈliː.əʊ/).

Leo is Latin in Origin.

Rooted in Latin leo “lion,” itself from Greek leōn, Leo emerged as a late Roman cognomen and became a durable Christian given name through saints and at least thirteen popes, notably Leo the Great (5th c.). Its leonine meaning evokes courage and kingship, reinforced by the zodiac sign Leo and heraldic symbolism. The name traveled widely through the Mediterranean and later Northern Europe, maintaining steady use and enjoying strong modern revival in many countries.

International variants include Leon (English, German, Spanish, Greek), Léon (French), Léo (French, also common as a nickname in Portuguese), Leone (Italian), León (Spanish), and the cognate Lev (Russian and other Slavic languages). Leo often serves as a short form for Leonardo, Leonard/Leonhard, Leopold, Leonel, and Leonidas. Feminine relatives are Leona, Léonie/Leonie, and Leonor/Leonora. Compact yet classic, Leo balances ancient roots with contemporary appeal.

Leo has the following similar or variant Names

Famous people with the name Leo

Galileo Galilei Politician · Born 1564 · Grand Duchy of Tuscany Galileo Galilei was a pioneering astronomer and physicist from the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, best known for his improvements to the telescope and his support of heliocentrism. His work 'Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems' challenged the geocentric view of the universe. He played a crucial role in the scientific revolution of the 17th century. Leopold II of Belgium Royal · Born 1835 · Belgium Leopold II of Belgium was the King of the Belgians from 1865 to 1909, most famous for his brutal exploitation of the Congo Free State as a private venture. His reign in the Congo led to significant human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis. Despite his controversial legacy, he played a role in the development of Belgium's infrastructure. Leopold I of Belgium Politician · Born 1790 · Belgium Leopold I of Belgium was the first King of the Belgians, ascending the throne in 1831. He played a crucial role in establishing Belgium's independence and shaping its early political landscape. His reign marked the beginning of a constitutional monarchy in Belgium.
Leo V Politician|royal · Born 1342 · Papal States Leo V or Leon V may refer to several historical figures, most notably Pope Leo V, who briefly served as pope in 903. The name can also refer to others known as Leon V in royal or religious history. Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor Politician · Born 1747 · Holy Roman Empire Leopold II was the Holy Roman Emperor from 1790 to 1792, known for his efforts to reform the empire and maintain peace during a turbulent period in European history. He played a key role in the early stages of the French Revolution by attempting to mediate between France and its neighbors. His reign, though brief, was marked by a pragmatic approach to governance and diplomacy. Leo Varadkar Politician · Born 1979 · Ireland Leo Varadkar is an Irish politician who became the Taoiseach, or Prime Minister, of Ireland in 2017. He is known for being the first openly gay Taoiseach and for his leadership during significant events like Brexit negotiations.

Celebrity babies named Leo

Name Last Name(s) Mother Mother famous for Fame Level Father Father famous for Fame Level
Leo Federer Mirka Federer tennis player ★★★★★ Roger Federer tennis player ★★★★★
Leo Bardem Penélope Cruz film director ★★★★★ Javier Bardem television actor ★★★★★
Leo Borg Björn Borg tennis player ★★★★★

Leo – Popularity by country

Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.

Country Gender Year Rank Born of
Ireland Boys 2025 #1 — 836
Germany Boys 2025 #1 — 423
KH 0 #3 1 102
Canada Boys 2024 #4 1,410 2,588
Switzerland Boys 2024 #6 243 1,769
FJ 0 #6 1 374
KR 0 #8 1 201
Sweden Boys 2022 #9 540 1,509
Austria Boys 2024 #10 489 60
MO 0 #10 43 2,706
CN Boys 0 #11 1,343 9,639
SV 0 #11 1 283
MO Boys 0 #15 458 5,842
FJ Boys 0 #17 1 603
MV 0 #18 2 644
BW 0 #19 1 960
CN 0 #21 68 3,857
AL 0 #22 57 2,372
HN 0 #22 1 704
TW Boys 0 #23 556 7,111
United States Boys 2024 #24 7,793 7,044
Norway Boys 2025 #27 201 444
ET Boys 0 #27 1 678
KR Boys 0 #27 1 897
NA 0 #27 7 2,537
SV Boys 0 #28 1 352
BN 0 #29 4 2,297
HT Boys 0 #33 2 903
ID 0 #33 7 2,238
HK Boys 0 #34 3,867 12,905
MV Girls 0 #35 1 2,021
TM Boys 0 #36 1 614
New Zealand Boys 2010 #37 121 99
AL Boys 0 #41 660 5,122
CM 0 #42 14 2,592
GE 0 #43 2 997
MT 0 #43 1 1,767
BI Boys 0 #44 1 917
HN Boys 0 #44 9 749
PH Boys 0 #45 685 11,440
MV Boys 0 #48 30 3,375
PH 0 #48 49 5,607
TW 0 #48 53 4,523
Finland Boys 2026 #50 13,257 3,552
NL Boys 2014 #53 15 79
PR 0 #54 2 1,497
HK 0 #60 493 8,483
LU 0 #64 3 2,830
AO 0 #65 12 2,729
JP 0 #65 13 4,057
HR Boys 0 #70 742 3,997
AR Boys 0 #71 3,772 7,628
BN Boys 0 #71 63 6,332
IN 0 #71 1 2,963
ID Boys 0 #75 59 4,130
MD Boys 0 #76 6 756
NL Boys 0 #76 6,753 5,873
QA 0 #76 25 7,011
SI 0 #78 3 1,612
BG 0 #82 1 1,799
SI Boys 0 #82 158 3,402
RS 0 #84 1 923
AR 0 #85 112 2,915
JM 0 #85 9 3,714
UY Boys 0 #85 2,000 5,922
GE Boys 0 #86 24 2,055
LT 0 #86 3 949
GT Boys 0 #88 1,301 7,625
EC 0 #89 27 2,502
KZ 0 #91 4 1,452
MX Boys 0 #91 10,422 16,355
OM 0 #97 20 6,215
ID Girls 0 #99 4 3,319
PE Boys 0 #100 6,003 14,506
SD 0 #100 3 2,130
EE Boys 0 #103 23 2,087
BR Boys 0 #104 4,462 12,213
PA 0 #104 27 3,797
CR Boys 0 #105 1,112 10,188
EC Boys 0 #105 234 3,322
KW 0 #105 12 5,216
NA Boys 0 #105 143 6,830
GE Girls 0 #108 1 1,564
BN Girls 0 #109 6 5,459
BW Boys 0 #111 39 4,685
Finland Boys 0 #112 854 2,041
CO Boys 0 #114 8,657 15,656
HU 0 #115 1 1,675
LU Boys 0 #115 110 4,970
Austria Boys 0 #116 723 2,180
UY 0 #117 62 2,477
BO Boys 0 #118 1,902 9,244
CR 0 #118 41 5,526
CY Boys 0 #123 9 3,473
AO Boys 0 #124 139 5,568
GR 0 #124 11 3,911
CL Boys 0 #126 3,498 13,390
AZ Boys 0 #128 4 1,400
IQ 0 #128 6 3,533
PT Boys 0 #128 497 7,951
MT Boys 0 #131 47 4,064
MU 0 #135 3 3,613
AE 0 #136 42 10,220
LT Boys 0 #136 15 2,166
PA Boys 0 #136 750 9,305
RS Girls 0 #136 2 1,651
IT Boys 0 #138 17,583 10,046
RS Boys 0 #138 17 2,277
GT 0 #140 205 5,948
PR Boys 0 #145 30 2,508
BO 0 #146 303 6,868
HR 0 #146 34 2,081
Austria 0 #149 66 850
BW Girls 0 #150 2 4,216
MT Girls 0 #153 1 3,773
HU Boys 0 #154 21 3,954
RU Boys 0 #154 721 12,621
NL 0 #155 286 2,481
AL Girls 0 #157 68 4,141
SI Girls 0 #158 17 2,769
PR Girls 0 #163 5 3,171
RU 0 #167 23 3,641
CZ Boys 0 #170 166 6,530
JM Boys 0 #173 105 6,876
SG 0 #173 98 11,010
JP Boys 0 #181 121 7,909
CZ 0 #182 5 3,154
DK Boys 0 #183 155 7,401
Spain Boys 0 #183 2,730 5,610
SG Boys 0 #183 893 17,960
SA 0 #185 111 10,560
PE 0 #186 130 6,350
LU Girls 0 #187 4 4,850
France Boys 2021 #191 245 2,865
AO Girls 0 #193 17 4,575
DK 0 #193 11 5,198
KZ Boys 0 #194 100 6,578
CM Boys 0 #195 611 12,054
GR Boys 0 #196 72 6,912
MX 0 #196 248 8,339
BG Boys 0 #197 23 3,850
BR 0 #199 157 5,969
LT Girls 0 #200 1 1,904
Germany Boys 0 #203 2,150 5,697
PS 0 #207 12 5,692
BD 0 #208 20 5,992
PL 0 #208 5 2,600
NA Girls 0 #213 12 7,146
EC Girls 0 #214 26 3,650
CO 0 #215 407 7,768
MY 0 #219 117 12,352
PT 0 #220 27 4,161
Finland 0 #226 83 830
IR 0 #228 4 4,221
GH 0 #229 15 5,396
MO Girls 0 #229 23 7,056
CL 0 #235 207 6,867
MU Boys 0 #236 127 8,477
NG 0 #241 24 5,926
GR Girls 0 #246 4 6,293
JP Girls 0 #247 5 6,592
MY Boys 0 #248 1,875 25,439
PL Boys 0 #251 86 6,459
IL 0 #256 19 6,291
TW Girls 0 #256 21 8,139
GH Boys 0 #265 82 8,138
AF Boys 0 #268 7 3,535
Canada Girls 2023 #271 9 2,824
JM Girls 0 #273 6 7,507
Spain 0 #275 192 2,326
IT 0 #283 805 4,183
Germany 0 #284 159 2,542
HR Girls 0 #289 6 3,687
QA Girls 0 #297 20 15,378
KZ Girls 0 #310 11 5,862
CN Girls 0 #317 33 8,829
DK Girls 0 #322 8 7,429
Spain Girls 0 #327 1,244 5,561
JO Boys 0 #327 51 7,057
IQ Boys 0 #329 447 13,071
CZ Girls 0 #330 12 5,378
GH Girls 0 #332 6 6,973
JO Girls 0 #334 6 7,570
MU Girls 0 #340 12 8,539
SD Boys 0 #353 93 10,523
PL Girls 0 #356 9 5,096
PS Boys 0 #357 202 10,655
SD Girls 0 #357 2 7,678
YE 0 #357 25 8,639
NG Boys 0 #359 1,169 16,906
IR Boys 0 #360 216 10,162
PH Girls 0 #360 31 13,098
BD Boys 0 #361 242 10,045
ZA 0 #372 76 14,421
OM Girls 0 #374 23 15,987
IL Boys 0 #383 245 10,983
EG 0 #387 14 6,387
PT Girls 0 #387 65 7,952
QA Boys 0 #388 345 18,093
MX Girls 0 #389 1,879 17,781
Austria Girls 0 #390 31 1,885
BD Girls 0 #398 9 8,413
France Girls 2021 #402 4 3,185
CM Girls 0 #415 127 11,671
CO Girls 0 #419 1,221 16,140
AR Girls 0 #428 181 8,289
BH 0 #429 125 17,937
PA Girls 0 #433 49 9,861
RU Girls 0 #442 57 11,913
LY 0 #455 81 12,703
GT Girls 0 #457 49 7,500
UY Girls 0 #461 50 6,731
EG Boys 0 #464 542 15,035
IQ Girls 0 #464 41 11,303
BO Girls 0 #467 149 9,488
SG Girls 0 #468 119 18,916
KW Girls 0 #473 43 19,177
CR Girls 0 #475 58 11,342
ZA Boys 0 #480 1,132 25,619
KW Boys 0 #500 278 18,755
PE Girls 0 #508 570 14,861
IR Girls 0 #512 19 8,334
AE Girls 0 #515 39 20,968
HK Girls 0 #523 93 16,104
PS Girls 0 #541 7 10,981
LB 0 #560 99 13,263
AE Boys 0 #570 634 22,615
SA Boys 0 #578 1,840 28,008
CL Girls 0 #592 270 14,098
Germany Girls 0 #593 258 4,949
TN 0 #602 244 13,765
IN Girls 0 #612 20 13,121
OM Boys 0 #617 274 17,948
IL Girls 0 #639 7 11,648
SY 0 #662 67 11,684
NG Girls 0 #692 95 15,093
Finland Girls 2026 #700 39 3,895
MA 0 #712 462 20,986
BR Girls 0 #728 218 12,708
IN Boys 0 #773 233 16,750
MY Girls 0 #784 213 24,821
SA Girls 0 #818 118 25,931
DZ 0 #833 353 20,130
NL Girls 0 #876 80 5,933
United States Girls 2024 #899 18 8,487
EG Girls 0 #927 33 14,742
IT Girls 0 #942 551 9,415
TR 0 #947 270 19,440
ZA Girls 0 #965 177 25,928

Leo is popular in 100 countries — most recent births per country:

Ireland
NL
Norway
Scotland, United Kingdom
Canada

Did we miss something about this name? Let us know!

People also ask about Leo

Leo is predominantly a boy's name.
Leo is a 2 syllable name, pronounced LEE-oh (US: /ˈliː.oʊ/, UK: /ˈliː.əʊ/).
Common nicknames and spelling variations include Leon, Léo, León, Lio and Lee.
Across languages, Leo has these equivalents: Leon (Greek/English), León (Spanish), Léo (French), Leone (Italian), Lev (Russian), and 3 more.
Yes, very popular — Leo ranked #1 in Ireland in 2025, and appears in official birth registries across 15 countries.
Leo ranks highest in Ireland (#1 in 2025).
Leo's popularity is holding steady. It moved from #1 in 2015 to #1 in 2025 in Ireland.
Yes — 14 notable people named Leo are in our database, including Galileo Galilei (Politician), Leopold II of Belgium (Royal), Leopold I of Belgium (Politician).
Yes — at least 3 celebrity couples have chosen Leo for their child, including Mirka Federer and Roger Federer.