Leon
LEE-on /ˈliː.ɒn/
Meaning of Leon
Leon is the Greek and Latin form of Leo — from the Greek λέων (leōn), the word for 'lion.' While Leo is the short Latin form, Leon is the full Graeco-Latin form and is preferred in German, Dutch and some French registers. Like Leo, it was borne by numerous popes and emperors, and carries connotations of strength and courage.
How to pronounce Leon
In German: LAY-on (the -eo- vowel is more like ay-o). In English: LEE-on.
Current popularity of Leon
Rankings from the most recent fully-published year in each national registry. Source links at the foot of the page.
| Registry | Year | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Germany (GfdS) | 2024 | #2 |
| Netherlands (SVB) | 2024 | #5 |
| United Kingdom (ONS) | 2024 | #38 |
Notable bearers of Leon
Leon Trotsky (revolutionary); Leon Russell (musician); Leon (Luc Besson film, 1994).
Similar names & variants
Cognates, spelling variants and close relatives. Click any name with an underline to read its own page.
Sibling-name suggestions
Names that pair stylistically with Leon — useful as middle names or for siblings.
About this entry
Compiled by the Baby Name Finder editorial team following the rules in our Methodology and Editorial guidelines. If you spot an error, please tell us; our corrections policy is at /editorial-guidelines#corrections.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-05-31