Rising since 2004, #7,679 for boys today.
Popularity of Leonell since 1926
Babies named Leonell per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 27 |
| 2010s | 76 |
| 2020s | 42 |
Meaning & origin
Leonell is a rare and distinctive variant of Lionel, meaning 'young lion.' First recorded in 1926, it has seen a slow but steady rise since 2004, reaching its peak rank of 7,679 in 2025, with a 1-in-170,808 incidence. Its peak year was 2020, though it has continued to gain modest usage in the 2020s. While not confined to any top states, Leonell appeals to parents seeking a name with a classic root and a slightly unconventional ending.
Leonell is an English variant of Lionel, a diminutive of Leon, which derives from the Greek 'leon' meaning 'lion.' The name appeared in medieval England, possibly influenced by Old French. It has been used sporadically since the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Leo, Leon, Nell, Lee
Sibling names for Leonell
Names that share Leonell's style, for a brother or sister.
