A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Leonard since 1880
Babies named Leonard per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 2,144 |
| 1890s | 3,166 |
| 1900s | 5,022 |
| 1910s | 31,878 |
| 1920s | 53,793 |
| 1930s | 39,214 |
| 1940s | 44,289 |
| 1950s | 43,551 |
| 1960s | 28,441 |
| 1970s | 15,805 |
| 1980s | 10,467 |
| 1990s | 6,267 |
| 2000s | 3,918 |
| 2010s | 3,933 |
| 2020s | 2,446 |
Meaning & origin
Leonard is a masculine name with deep roots in Germanic tradition. In 2025, it ranked 637th in U.S. births, given to approximately 1 in 3900 baby boys. The name's peak popularity occurred in 1920, when it was a top-100 choice. After a long decline, Leonard has been rising again since 2008. Its current resurgence is especially notable in the upper Midwest, with top states including Montana, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Parents drawn to vintage names with a strong, gentle sound may find Leonard an appealing option that offers the friendly short forms Len, Lenny, or Leo.
Derived from the Old High German elements 'lewo' (lion) and 'hart' (hardy, brave). The name was introduced to England by the Normans after 1066 and was borne by a 6th-century Frankish saint, Leonard of Noblac, the patron of prisoners. Its use spread widely across Europe during the Middle Ages and remained consistently popular into the modern era, with various spellings appearing in different languages.
Where Leonard 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.
“Leonard” around the world
Where Leonard lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
485
babies in 2024
Ireland
16
babies in 2025
New Zealand
12
babies in 2025
Quebec
#39
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Len, Lenny, Leo, Leon
Sibling names for Leonard
Names that share Leonard's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Eleanor, Margaret, Gertrude, Dorothy, Frances, Gloria, Lorraine, Marilyn, Althea, Charlyn, Darleen, Dorene, Laraine, Loretta, Lynnette, Roxann, Vernice, Arlena, Arlinda, Charlesetta, Genevie, Janean, Johnetta, Joline, Julene, Laurinda, Londa, Lorretta, Lynna, Marolyn, Merilyn, Nadean, Otilia, Remona, Sabrena, Sharleen, Shirleen, Tonette, Arlys, Arnette, Berdine, Berneta, Charmain, Claressa, Claretta, Corlis, Delene, Deronda, Ethyle, Eudelia, Evelene, Janece, Janith, Jerelyn, Jerene, Juleen, Ladora, Ledora, Lenda, Lenetta, Lenise, Lorenda, Loreta, Marlea, Marlyne, Rayma, Ronelle, Rosilyn, Sharene, Sharline, Sheran, Sherlene, Shirelle, Wendolyn, Yalonda, Zondra, Arlyce, Bernestine, Beverlee, Carollynn, Cherylyn, Darleene, Delise, Derenda, Emmagene, Faylene, Floriene, Gerlene, Gladyce, Glora, Jeanenne, Jearlean, Joylene, Ladoris, Lennette, Lindalee, Lorell, Lourine, Marilea, Marlaine, Marlise, Marvina, Merryl, Natha, Philis, Rojean, Sandria, Shelene, Sherilynn, Tonetta, Veronda, Willean, Denece, Janace, Karolee, Adlean, Andora, Brenetta, Cerita, Chalene, Challis, Cherylene, Claudeen, Cloris, Darlette, Denelda, Donnice, Dorinne, Dorleen, Durenda, Earnestene, Elmarie, Gerarda, Glorine, Jennene, Jerelene, Johnella, Judene, Lanise, Lavine, Lenoria, Loral, Luane, Mayrene, Murline, Noralyn, Raymonda, Shyrl, Unice, Vaunda, Veralyn
Brothers: Albert, Howard, Russell, Alfred, Raymond, Byron, Curtis, Maurice, Norman, Roland, Stanley, Wayne, Randell, Raymon, Harlen, Leamon, Wendall, Donyell, Garald, Lawerance, Lemont, Leodis, Lindon, Linford, Lonzell, Melburn, Orlanda, Raynold, Reymond, Sherod, Standley, Aubra, Austine, Lealon, Leanthony, Lenward, Loras, Waldron, Burman, Claudy, Dennard, Gerrald, Laymond, Lynard, Norm
Names like Leonard
Names whose popularity has moved with Leonard's over the last 50 years.
