Rising since 2006, #3,848 for boys today.
Popularity of Lio since 2004
Babies named Lio per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 21 |
| 2010s | 172 |
| 2020s | 178 |
Meaning & origin
Lio is a short, modern name that first appeared on U.S. birth records in 2004. As of 2025, it ranks 3848th nationally, given to approximately 1 in 61003 baby boys, showing a steady rise in use since 2006 with a peak rank in the latest recorded year, 2024. The name is most popular in California and Texas, reflecting broader trends favoring concise, vowel-ending names. While its exact origin is unconfirmed, it is widely considered a contemporary spin on the classic Leo, offering a fresh alternative for parents seeking a familiar yet distinct sound.
Lio is a modern coinage, likely derived as a short form or variant of the traditional name Leo, which comes from Latin leo 'lion'. It may also have been influenced by other names containing the Lio- element, such as Lionel or Eliot. As a given name, Lio began appearing in U.S. records in 2004 and has been rising in popularity since the mid-2000s, especially in states like California and Texas.
Where Lio is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Lio” around the world
Where Lio lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Leo
Sibling names for Lio
Names that share Lio's style, for a brother or sister.
