Leonard Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Leonard is of Germanic origin, meaning 'brave lion'. It evolved from forms like Leonhard and Leonardus. The name has been associated with nobility and strength throughout its history, with no specific biblical relevance. Variants include Leo and Lenny, and it continues to be a respected name today, often linked to notable figures in arts and entertainment.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Leonard"
Pronunciation
/ˈlɛənərd/
Origin
Germanic
Etymology
The name Leonard is derived from the Germanic elements 'leon' meaning 'lion' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'hardy'.
Meaning
brave lion
Language Evolution
Leonhard, Leonardus, Leonardo
Historical Usage
The name Leonard became popular in the Middle Ages, particularly among the Frankish nobility and later spread throughout Europe.
Variants & Derivatives
Leo, Leon, Len, Lenny
Modern Popularity & Image
In contemporary times, Leonard is perceived as a classic name, often associated with intelligence and strength. It has remained steadily popular across various cultures.
Famous People
Leonard Cohen, Leonard Nimoy, Leonard Bernstein
📊 Leonard Name 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 5,675 peak births in 1921
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 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Leonard" - Complete Guide (5 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Leonard". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 5 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Leonard" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Leonard"
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 of "Leonard"
"Leonard" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 41st of 7545 | 80,269 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 52nd of 6773 | 74,269 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 89th of 7552 | 79,079 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 154th of 10718 | 29,183 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 274th of 16616 | 14,053 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 595th of 24088 | 6,375 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 653rd of 23106 | 4,881 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1731st of 9107 | 401 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1798th of 9204 | 379 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2752nd of 12526 | 329 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 4299th of 19264 | 218 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 11172nd of 27321 | 78 |
Regional Popularity of "Leonard" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
2.12% 30th/1416 |
3.12% 43rd/1379 |
2.20% 52nd/2366 |
3.85% 44th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
2.85% 44th/1546 |
2.89% 45th/1556 |
3.23% 76th/2353 |
4.07% 63rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
4.31% 96th/2227 |
2.76% 67th/2430 |
3.58% 102nd/2853 |
3.46% 96th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
5.62% 165th/2937 |
3.19% 111th/3483 |
4.38% 154th/3518 |
4.33% 175th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
7.87% 290th/3685 |
4.94% 221st/4475 |
5.37% 279th/5194 |
4.97% 314th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
13.51% 619th/4582 |
9.18% 474th/5164 |
8.33% 609th/7313 |
8.15% 608th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
14.38% 573rd/3984 |
12.19% 547th/4487 |
11.65% 795th/6822 |
10.47% 657th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Leonard" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
79.19% 1092nd/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
89.07% 1377th/1546 |
87.85% 1367th/1556 |
100.00% 2353rd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
100.00% 2227th/2227 |
100.00% 2430th/2430 |
100.00% 2853rd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
100.00% 3483rd/3483 |
- | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Leonard"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Leonard" 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 of "Leonard" in the United States
The name Leonard is most popular in North Dakota, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy 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, Leonard has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Leonard' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 41st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 52nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 89th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 154th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 274th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 595th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 653rd out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1731st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1798th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2752nd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4299th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11172nd out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Leonard' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.