Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Leon is of Greek origin, meaning 'lion.' It evolved from the Greek 'leon' to Latin as 'Leo' and has variants in several languages. The name is often associated with strength and bravery. It holds no direct biblical relevance but has been widely used since medieval times, gaining popularity in various cultures. Notable figures named Leon include political leaders, artists, and musicians.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/liˈɒn/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Leon is derived from the Greek word 'leon' (λέων), meaning 'lion.'
Meaning
lion
Language Evolution
Leon (Greek), Leo (Latin), León (Spanish)
Historical Usage
The name Leon gained popularity in various cultures, particularly in medieval Europe, as it was associated with bravery and nobility.
Variants & Derivatives
Leo, Leonard, Leona, Leonardo
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Leon is perceived as a strong and classic name, often associated with leadership and courage.
Famous People
Leon Trotsky, Leonardo da Vinci, Leon Russell, Leon Panetta
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,714 peak births in 1924
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Mississippi
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (6 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 6 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 79th of 7545 | 38,610 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 91st of 6773 | 41,744 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 148th of 7552 | 38,683 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 224th of 10718 | 16,875 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 348th of 16616 | 10,538 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 475th of 24088 | 8,645 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 223rd of 23106 | 21,039 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1387th of 9107 | 566 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2098th of 9204 | 298 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3214th of 12526 | 258 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 4920th of 19264 | 176 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 11872nd of 27321 | 69 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 24101st of 30306 | 13 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
7.42% 105th/1416 |
4.79% 66th/1379 |
2.66% 63rd/2366 |
11.38% 130th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
6.66% 103rd/1546 |
5.21% 81st/1556 |
3.14% 74th/2353 |
8.66% 134th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
7.63% 170th/2227 |
5.35% 130th/2430 |
4.31% 123rd/2853 |
7.64% 212th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
7.56% 222nd/2937 |
5.80% 202nd/3483 |
6.03% 212th/3518 |
6.92% 280th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
8.71% 321st/3685 |
6.32% 283rd/4475 |
6.20% 322nd/5194 |
6.78% 428th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
10.63% 487th/4582 |
7.09% 366th/5164 |
7.40% 541st/7313 |
6.46% 482nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
5.52% 220th/3984 |
4.06% 182nd/4487 |
3.96% 270th/6822 |
2.79% 175th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
78.32% 1853rd/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 4044th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Mississippi across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 79th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 91st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 148th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 224th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 348th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 475th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 223rd out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1387th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2098th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3214th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4920th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11872nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 24101st out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.