Leonel is a masculine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "leo," which means lion. The name Leonel is also related to the Spanish and Portuguese name Leonardo, which means "lionlike" or "strong as a lion."
The name Leonel has been popular throughout history in various countries and cultures. In Spain, it was borne by several notable figures, including Leonel de Argüelles, a 16th-century composer who is considered one of the founders of Spanish polyphony. In Portugal, there was Leonel power of Portugal, a 15th-century nobleman who played a significant role in the Portuguese discoveries.
In literature, the name Leonel appears in the Spanish novel "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes. One of the characters in the book is named Leonelo, a page who serves the Duke and Duchess.
Today, Leonel continues to be a popular given name for boys in many countries around the world. It is often used as an alternative to more common names like Leonardo or Leon. Despite its popularity, it remains a unique and distinctive choice that reflects its wearer's strength and courage.
The name Leonel experienced a significant rise in popularity over the course of the century, with a total of 25,031 births recorded between 1910 and 2023. The lowest number of births in any given year was 5 (in 1910), while the highest reached an impressive 1,070 births in 2023. There appears to be a consistent increase in popularity from around the late 1960s onwards, with a notable spike starting in the mid-1980s and continuing through to the present day.