Leo - Names
Meaning of the name Leo
Gender:
Male
Meaning:
Lion (from Latin: leo)
History & etymology:
The name Leo (as well as the common noun leo, meaning ‘lion’) had been borrowed from Latin directly into Old English. Leo was replaced with lion under the French influence (Old French: lion).
In Europe, the name Leo is used interchangeably with Leon, which comes from Greek leon, also meaning ‘lion’. Both the Greek and the Latin word denoting a lion stem from a common root, probably from Egyptian or Arabic.
One of over 50 possible patron saints of the name is St. Leo the Great, who reigned as pope between years 440 and 461. He was one of three popes who earned the title ‘Great’. He is remembered for having persuaded Attila the Hun not to invade Rome.
St. Leo’s feast day is celebrated on 10th November.
Alternative spellings & nicknames:
Leo can be a short form for names such as Leopold or Leonard.
Similar names in other languages & name days:
Austria
22nd March: Leo
Czech Republic
19th June: Leoš
Finland
28th June: Leo
Germany
19th April, 12th June, 10th November: Leo
Hungary
11th April: Leó
Italy
5th May: Leo
Poland
2nd March, 4th March, 11th May: Lew
Spain
24th April: Leoncio
Sweden
28th June: Leo
USA
2nd August: Leo, Leon
Armenia: Levon
Russia: Lev, Lyov
Famous people named Leo:
Leo G. Carroll (1892 – 1972) - English actor
Leo Clarke (1892 - 1916) - Canadian war hero
Leo Fitzpatrick (1978-)- American actor
Leo Howard (1997-) - American actor
Leo Komarov (1987-) - Estonian hockey player
Leo Kottke (1945-) - Greek guitarist
Leo Laporte (1956-) - American radio host
Lionel ‘Leo’ Messi (1987-) - Argentinian football player
Leo Michelson (1887-1987) - Latvian painter
Leo Sayer (1948-) - English singer
Leo Stronda (1992-) - Brazilian rapper
Leo Taylor (1992-) - English drummer
Leo Tolstoy (1828 - 1910) - Russian novelist
Leo Trotzki (1879 - 1940) - Russian revolutionist
Fun facts:
Popularity (2015)
USA: 91st
England and Wales: 15th
Canada: 39th
Australia: 24th
New Zealand: 24th
Ireland: 53rd
Northern Ireland: 28th
Scotland: 13th
Austria: 30th
Belgium: 67th
Croatia: 37th
Finland: 1st
France: 4th
Norway: 55th
Spain: 13th
Sweden: 13th
Switzerland: 28th
Lucky colors: red, violet
Lucky stone: Ruby
Ruling planet: Mars
Characteristics: adventurous, brave, outgoing, charismatic, friendly