Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Leona originates from Latin, meaning lioness. It evolved from the masculine form Leo, signifying traits of strength and bravery. The name has no biblical relevance but gained popularity in the 19th century. Variants include Leonora and Leonie. Today, Leona is viewed as a strong and feminine name, with notable bearers in various fields.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/liˈoʊnə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
Leona is derived from the Latin word 'leo', meaning lion. It is the feminine form of Leo, which signifies strength and bravery.
Meaning
lioness
Language Evolution
Leo (Latin), Leona (Latin), Leona (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Leona gained popularity in the 19th century and has been used in various cultures throughout the world.
Variants & Derivatives
Leonora, Leonie, Leona (short form)
Modern Popularity & Image
Leona is perceived as a strong and feminine name, often associated with leadership and courage.
Famous People
Leona Lewis (singer), Leona Helmsley (hotelier), Leona Maguire (golfer)
📊 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 3,346 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in North Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 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 | 2412th of 7545 | 184 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3100th of 6773 | 110 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 90th of 9107 | 54,774 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 163rd of 9204 | 24,159 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 380th of 12526 | 10,963 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 682nd of 19264 | 3,711 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1330th of 27321 | 1,850 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1330th of 35406 | 2,585 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 571st of 30306 | 6,499 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
4.24% 60th/1416 |
8.12% 112th/1379 |
5.11% 121st/2366 |
8.41% 96th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
7.89% 122nd/1546 |
9.19% 143rd/1556 |
8.84% 208th/2353 |
10.60% 164th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
16.17% 360th/2227 |
13.87% 337th/2430 |
14.48% 413th/2853 |
12.58% 349th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
22.37% 657th/2937 |
20.53% 715th/3483 |
21.29% 749th/3518 |
14.91% 603rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
35.88% 1322nd/3685 |
31.71% 1419th/4475 |
32.21% 1673rd/5194 |
23.95% 1513th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
23.61% 1082nd/4582 |
25.00% 1291st/5164 |
23.33% 1706th/7313 |
18.81% 1404th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
10.89% 434th/3984 |
11.23% 504th/4487 |
11.11% 758th/6822 |
8.32% 522nd/6276 |
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 North Dakota across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady 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 falling for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2412th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3100th out of 6773 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 90th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 163rd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 380th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 682nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1330th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1330th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 571st out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.