Leonardo

Brave lion — a boy name of Italian origin

GenderBoy
OriginItalian
MeaningBrave lion
Pronunciationlee-oh-NAR-doh

Popularity of Leonardo in the United States

#91Rank in 2025
3,789Births in 2025
#75 in 2022Peak Popularity
→ Stable10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Leonardo

Leonardo is the Italian form of the Germanic name Leonhard, combining "leon" (lion) and "hard" (brave, hardy), meaning "brave lion." The name is inseparably tied to Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential Renaissance polymath celebrated as a painter, inventor, scientist, and engineer. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio has further cemented the name's modern glamour and international recognition. Leonardo remains one of the most popular Italian and Spanish boy names worldwide, admired for its artistic, intellectual associations.

Leonardo Around the World

Leonardo is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 9+ international variants.

Languages
ItalianSpanishPortuguese
Details

Female FormLeonarda

International Variants
LeonardPolish
LeonardasLithuanian
LennartDutch
LéonardFrench
LénárdHungarian
LeonhardGerman
LeonardusLatin
LenardoDutch
LleonardCatalan

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Leonardo

LeoNardo

Famous People Named Leonardo

  • Leonardo da Vinci — Italian Renaissance polymath, painter, and inventor
  • Leonardo DiCaprio — American Academy Award-winning actor
  • Leonardo Bonucci — Italian professional footballer

Similar Names to Leonardo

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Sibling Name Ideas for Leonardo

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Leonardo mean?

Leonardo is a boy name of Italian origin meaning "Brave lion." Leonardo is the Italian form of the Germanic name Leonhard, combining "leon" (lion) and "hard" (brave, hardy), meaning "brave lion." The name is inseparably tied to Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential Renaissance polymath celebrated as a painter, inventor, scientist, and engineer.

How do you pronounce Leonardo?

Leonardo is pronounced lee-oh-NAR-doh. Common variations include Leonard, Lennart, Leonardas.

Is Leonardo a boy name?

Yes, Leonardo is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Leo, Nardo.

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