A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Leon since 1880
Babies named Leon per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Leon's real moment was 1918.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,475 |
| 1890s | 2,103 |
| 1900s | 2,859 |
| 1910s | 15,280 |
| 1920s | 25,577 |
| 1930s | 23,005 |
| 1940s | 23,578 |
| 1950s | 21,341 |
| 1960s | 13,823 |
| 1970s | 9,854 |
| 1980s | 7,627 |
| 1990s | 5,176 |
| 2000s | 5,062 |
| 2010s | 11,768 |
| 2020s | 14,110 |
Meaning & origin
Leon has been a consistent presence in American naming since 1880, when it first appeared in records. Its peak popularity came in 1918, when it ranked at its highest. After a period of decline, the name has been rising again since 1998. In 2025, it ranked 138th, with approximately 1 in 661 boys receiving the name. Leon is especially favored in Vermont, Hawaii, and Alaska, reflecting a broad geographic appeal. Its straightforward meaning and strong sound have contributed to its enduring use, making it a classic choice that has never felt dated.
Leon is derived from the Greek word 'leon' meaning 'lion'. It was used as a given name in ancient Greece and later adopted by Romans. The name has been common throughout Europe, especially in Germany and France, and has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century.
Where Leon is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Leon” around the world
Where Leon lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#10
in 2024
Ireland
#73
in 2025
New Zealand
#68
in 2025
Quebec
#40
in 2025
Australia (NSW)
#53
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Leo
Sibling names for Leon
Names that share Leon's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Olivia, Sophia, Emma, Amelia, Charlotte, Blanche, Leta, Sonia, Angele, Leonna, Malina, Marcelina, Vanda, Adonna, Athina, Cleola, Dartha, Deona, Estee, Isidora, Keisa, Leondra, Leontine, Lourie, Maeola, Neola, Olean, Philomene, Tamila, Valene, Vonna, Canda, Carle, Celest, Cerise, Florette, Inetta, Laretha, Leeta, Leonda, Leoni, Leonila, Lether, Letica, Lourene, Lurine, Lyvonne, Monice, Tecora, Theona, Vernona, Athyna, Cosandra, Denene, Elliona, Genean, Luzia, Octavie
Brothers: Theodore, Mack, Beau, Waylon, Rory, Evon, Leron, Myron, Normand, Roy, Cleon, Cleven, Donis, Lelon, Leotis, Miron, Octave, Adolphe, Artur, Leomar, Leonides, Lonza, Odel, Vondell, Ardian, Burch, Erasto, Ilyan, Jayleon, Kimon, Laval, Lemoine, Leonidus, Leontae, Nobel, Odilon, Robey
Names like Leon
Names whose popularity has moved with Leon's over the last 50 years.
