Leonhard, derived from the Germanic elements 'leon' meaning 'lion' and 'hart' meaning 'strong', has been a traditional name in German-speaking countries for centuries. It was particularly popular among nobility during the Middle Ages. The name reached its peak usage in Germany around the late 19th to early 20th century, but it remains less common today, giving it a vintage and distinguished feel. Leonhard is often associated with St. Leonard of Noblac, an Irish saint who was freed from captivity by a lion, further emphasizing the strength and bravery connotations of this name.
"Leonhard seems to have been a popular name among parents roughly every decade or so, with spikes of popularity around the 1910s and early 2000s."