Rising since 1985, #350 for boys today.
Popularity of Leonel since 1910
Babies named Leonel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 131 |
| 1920s | 266 |
| 1930s | 324 |
| 1940s | 390 |
| 1950s | 476 |
| 1960s | 633 |
| 1970s | 1,083 |
| 1980s | 1,886 |
| 1990s | 3,191 |
| 2000s | 5,139 |
| 2010s | 7,618 |
| 2020s | 5,930 |
Meaning & origin
Leonel has experienced a notable resurgence in the United States, rising steadily since 1985 and reaching its peak rank in 2024 with a rank of 350. Although first recorded as early as 1910, the name saw a long period of decline before its recent comeback. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 1,813 boys is named Leonel, reflecting its growing appeal. Geographically, Leonel is most popular in Delaware, Arizona, and Texas, where its Spanish and Portuguese heritage resonates strongly. The name sits comfortably between similar stylish choices like Leonardo and Mateo, offering a distinctive yet familiar lion-themed option for modern parents.
Leonel is a Spanish and Portuguese form of the name Lionel, which itself derives from the Latin 'leo' meaning 'lion'. It has been used in the Iberian Peninsula since the Middle Ages, often as a given name in honor of the lion as a symbol of courage and strength. The name also functions as a variant of Leonardo, sharing the same lion-related root.
Where Leonel 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.
“Leonel” around the world
Where Leonel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Quebec
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Leo, Lion, Nelo
Sibling names for Leonel
Names that share Leonel's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Leonel
Names whose popularity has moved with Leonel's over the last 50 years.
