MallowbyNames

Leonia

lee-OH-nee-uh · lion-like; derived from Latin 'leo' (lion)

Peak popularity
1903
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Leonia since 1882

Babies named Leonia per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Leonia's real moment was 1903.

142741192019602000Most births 1918Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1880s35
1890s87
1900s161
1910s271
1920s315
1930s224
1940s161
1950s129
1960s70
1970s46
1980s40
1990s0
2000s12
2010s11
2020s5

Meaning & origin

Leonia is a rare feminine name of Latin origin, meaning 'lion-like.' Social Security data shows it was first recorded in 1882, but it has never been a common choice. Its peak year was 1903, and since then it has maintained a stable but very low level of use. Unlike many names from the 1900s decade, Leonia has not seen a revival in recent years. With no top states and a one-in-N statistic that is effectively null due to its rarity, Leonia remains a distinctive and uncommon name, appealing to parents seeking a name with classical roots and a soft, melodic sound.

Leonia is a feminine form of Leonius, a Late Latin name derived from 'leo' meaning lion. It has been used sparingly since the 19th century, particularly in Catholic communities honoring saints such as Saint Leonius or as a variant of names like Leona. Its usage has remained modest and stable over time.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Leo, Lia, Nia

Variants: Leonea, Leoni, Leonie

Sibling names for Leonia

Names that share Leonia's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Lydia, Vera, Clara, Ida, Helen

Brothers: Leo, Paul, Oscar, John, George

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

L is for Leonia, our favorite little girl.

L is for Leonia…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Leonia's letter becomes Leonia's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Leonia's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Leonia mean?
Leonia means 'lion-like,' derived from the Latin word 'leo' meaning lion.
How popular is the name Leonia?
Leonia has never ranked in the top 1000 U.S. names. It peaked in 1903 and has been used steadily but rarely since, with very few births per year.
Is Leonia a girl's name?
Yes, Leonia is almost exclusively used as a feminine name.