Holding steady.
Popularity of Leontyne since 1953
Babies named Leontyne per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 26 |
| 1960s | 104 |
| 1970s | 40 |
| 1980s | 43 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Leontyne first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1953, and its usage peaked in 1966, reflecting the rise of opera legend Leontyne Price. Though never common, the name reached its highest frequency during the mid-1960s. Since then, its trajectory has been stable but extremely rare, with no notable revival in recent decades. The name has not been ranked in the top 1000 since the 1970s. It remains a distinctive choice, tied to a single celebrated figure, and has seen limited adoption outside that association.
Leontyne is a modern female given name, likely a feminine elaboration of Leon or a variant of Leontine, which derives from the Greek 'leon' (lion). The name gained prominence through the acclaimed African American soprano Leontyne Price (born 1927), though it was recorded in the U.S. as early as 1953. Its peak usage occurred in 1966, reflecting the peak of Price's career. The name has remained in sporadic use since, maintaining a stable but rare presence.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Teeny, Tina
Sibling names for Leontyne
Names that share Leontyne's style, for a brother or sister.
