Leo

Leo is a boy name of Latin origin, ranked #7 in popularity, meaning Lion. Brave and warm-hearted.

What Leo means

Lion. Brave and warm-hearted.

Leo is short — 3 letters, and ends on a vowel, which tends to make a name sound open and carry well when called across a room.

Where Leo comes from

Latin names travelled through the Roman world and then through the Church, which is why so many survive across Europe in local variants. A great many were originally descriptive — of virtue, of appearance, or of birth order.

Leo is recorded as Latin in origin. Browse other Latin names.

How popular is Leo?

Leo is ranked #7, which places it in the very top tier of boy names in use right now. Expect it to be instantly recognised and correctly spelled by almost everyone — and expect your child to meet others with the same name.

The character of Leo

Two ideas meet in Leo: Lion, strength and the stars and sky. Names carrying more than one theme tend to be the ones that suit a wider range of siblings.

Themes: Lion, Strong, Celestial

Names like Leo

These share Leo's themes, origin, or both — closest first.

  • Leonard — Brave as a lion.
  • Lev — Lion.
  • Hamza — Lion; strong, steadfast.
  • Michael — Who is like God?
  • Simba — Lion.
  • Ari — Lion; eagle.
  • Lionel — Young lion.
  • Roman — Citizen of Rome; strong.
  • Ace — The number one; unity and excellence.
  • Augustus — Great, venerable and majestic.
  • Cornelius — Horn; strong-willed.
  • Dexter — Skilful; right-handed.

More Latin names

  • Lawrence — Crowned with laurel.
  • Liberty — Freedom.
  • Laurel — The laurel; honour and victory.
  • Lionel — Young lion.
  • Laura — Laurel; victory and honour.
  • Livia — Olive; blue.
  • Juno — Queen of the heavens.
  • Lucas — Bringer of light.
  • Juniper — The evergreen juniper; youth-giving.
  • Lucia — Light.