Leo - Name Meaning and Origin

The boy's name Leo \leo\ is pronounced LEE-oh. It is of Latin origin, and its meaning is "lion". A common name in Roman times, and the name of 13 popes, including Leo the Great (fifth century), who successfully dealt with Attila the Hun when the Vandals conquered Rome. Author Leo Tolstoy; actor Leo G. Carroll.

Leo has 9 variant forms: Lee, Leon, Leoncio, Leonel, Leonello, Leontios, Lev, Lion and Lyon.

For more information, see also related names Leomaris, Leander, Leonard and Leopold.

Baby names that sound like Leo are Le-, Lea, Le and Lew.

Leo is a very popular male first name and a very popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Leo. Click here to compare Leo with related baby names.