Leo is a popular boys' name of Latin origin that means "lion." It is derived from the Latin word "leo," which refers to the powerful and majestic king of the jungle. Throughout history, Leo has been associated with strength, courage, and leadership.
In Roman mythology, Leo was also the name of one of the twelve constellations in the zodiac. The constellation Leo represents a lion and is symbolized by the astrological sign of the Lion. According to ancient Greek myth, the constellation Leo was formed from the Nemean Lion that Hercules slew as one of his Twelve Labors.
The name Leo has been used throughout history by various notable figures. One famous Leo is Leonardo da Vinci, the renowned Italian Renaissance artist and inventor who lived during the 15th century. Another well-known Leo is Leo Tolstoy, the Russian author of such classic works as "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina."
Today, Leo remains a popular choice for boys' names around the world. Its strong and regal connotations continue to attract parents seeking a powerful and meaningful name for their child. Whether inspired by its Latin roots or the famous historical figures who have borne the name, choosing Leo is a statement of confidence and strength.
Based on these statistics, the name Leo has experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Leo, with a sharp spike during World War I (1914-1918). However, after peaking at 3779 births in 1917, the popularity of the name Leo began to decline. By the mid-20th century, it had reached its lowest point since the late 19th century, with fewer than 500 babies named Leo each year.
The name Leo started to regain popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with a steady increase in births from around 400 per year in 1998 to over 700 by 2005. This upward trend continued into the 21st century, reaching an all-time high in recent years: 8282 births in 2022 and 8120 births in 2023.
Overall, while Leo has gone through periods of popularity and decline over time, it is currently one of the most popular boys' names, with a significant increase in usage compared to its low point in the mid-20th century.