Leonard is a classic given name of Germanic origin that has been used throughout history. It is derived from the Old German word "leonhard," which means "brave lion." The name consists of two elements: "leo" meaning "lion," and "hard" meaning "strong, brave."
The name Leonard first appeared in England during the Middle Ages, brought by Norman invaders after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It was initially given to boys as a personal name, but over time it also became used as a surname.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Leonard. One of the most famous is Leonardo da Vinci, the renowned Italian polymath and artist of the Renaissance period. Other notable Leonards include Leonard Bernstein, an American composer and conductor; Leonard Nimoy, an American actor best known for his role as Mr. Spock in the Star Trek franchise; and Leonard Cohen, a Canadian singer-songwriter.
In terms of popularity, Leonard has been more common in some periods than others. In the United States, for example, it was particularly popular during the early 20th century but has since declined in usage. As of 2020, it ranked as the 786th most popular name for boys in the U.S.
Overall, Leonard is a timeless name with a strong and brave meaning that has been used throughout history by notable individuals. Its Germanic origins and classic sound make it appealing to those seeking a traditional yet distinctive name for their child.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Leonard in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
From 1880 to 1915, the number of births with the name Leonard fluctuated between around 200 and 400. However, starting in 1916, there was a significant increase in popularity for this name, with over 4000 births recorded that year.
The peak popularity of the name Leonard occurred in 1917, when 4980 babies were named Leonard at birth. This high level of popularity continued until around 1925, after which there was a gradual decline in its usage as a baby name.
By the mid-1930s, the number of births with the name Leonard had fallen to below 4000 annually. This trend continued throughout the following decades, with the number of annual births named Leonard reaching its lowest point in recent years in 2022, with only 369 recorded.
Overall, from 1880 to 2023, a total of 293470 babies were named Leonard at birth in the United States. Despite its decline in popularity over the past century, the name Leonard remains a classic and enduring choice for parents looking for a timeless and sophisticated name for their child.