Leonard
Leonard is a boy name of German origin meaning “Brave as a lion”, pronounced LEN-ard. It ranked #637 in the United States in 2025, given to 438 babies, and peaked at #37 in 1923. Common nicknames: Len, Lenny, Leo.
How popular is Leonard in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Leonard mean, and where does it come from?
Leonard joins the Latin leo, "lion," to the Germanic hard, "brave" or "strong," and belongs to a sixth-century Frankish saint who was patron of prisoners — which is why so many English churches are dedicated to him. It reached 37th place for American boys in 1923. The twentieth century gave it an extraordinary run of bearers: Bernstein conducting, Cohen writing, Nimoy in pointed ears. It is out of fashion now and due back; Leo, which is already everywhere, is half of it.
How is Leonard used around the world?
Leonard is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 12+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Leonard?
Famous People Named Leonard
- Leonard Cohen — Canadian singer, songwriter and poet
- Leonard Bernstein — American conductor and composer of West Side Story
- Leonard Nimoy — American actor, director and photographer
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Sibling Name Ideas for Leonard
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Leonard mean?
Leonard is a boy name of German origin meaning "Brave as a lion." Leonard joins the Latin leo, "lion," to the Germanic hard, "brave" or "strong," and belongs to a sixth-century Frankish saint who was patron of prisoners — which is why so many English churches are dedicated to him. It reached 37th place for American boys in 1923.
How do you pronounce Leonard?
Leonard is pronounced LEN-ard. Common variations include Leonardo, Lennart, Léonard.
Is Leonard a boy name?
Yes, Leonard is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Len, Lenny, Leo.