Meaning and Origin of the Boy’s Name Leo
As when choosing any name, any parents planning to give their boy the name Leo should be aware of what such a name can mean, or can be associated with. From a linguistic perspective, the meaning of Leo can be taken from both Latin and Greek for “lion,” as can its derivatives like Leon, Leopold, and Leonard.
Popularity
Leo is the 20th most popular name for English boys in 2012, according to the Office of National Statistics.
Public Figures with the Name
A number of notable individuals with the name include:
- Thirteen Popes, including Leo the Great.
- Patriarch Leo of Constantinople.
- Leo Esaki, a Japanese physicist who received the Nobel Prize in Physics.
- Leo Barry, fullback and back pocket for the AFL.
- Leo Fortune-West, an English striker in football.
- Leo Arnaud, a French-American composer whose most famous piece, “Bugler’s Dream,” is played during American broadcasts of the Olympic broadcasts.
- Leo Jones, brother to Martha Jones of Doctor Who.
- Clarence Leonidas “Leo” Fender, an inventor world-renowned for his guitar designs like the Telecaster and Stratocaster.
- Leo Laporte, a well-regarded American personality who focuses on technology-related programming and issues.
Useful Resources
- Our comprehensive list of English boy’s names.