What Does the Name Leonard Mean?
Leonard is a boy's name of Germanic origin meaning “brave lion.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Leonard |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Origin | Germanic |
| Meaning | brave lion |
| Variants | Len, Lenny, Leo, Leonardo, Léonard |
| Popularity | A steady classic; popular in the early-to-mid 20th century and now uncommon but recognizable. |
The meaning and origin of Leonard
The name Leonard means “brave lion” and has Germanic origins. From the Germanic elements 'lewo' (lion, borrowed from Latin) and 'hart' (brave, hardy). It was borne by a 6th-century Frankish saint, the patron of prisoners, which spread its use.
Variants and related names
Leonard is related to several other names you may recognize: Len, Lenny, Leo, Leonardo, Léonard. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Leonard?
A steady classic; popular in the early-to-mid 20th century and now uncommon but recognizable.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leonard mean?+
The name Leonard means “brave lion” and is of Germanic origin.
What is the origin of the name Leonard?+
Leonard originates from Germanic.
Is Leonard a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Leonard has trended in the US over time.
Leonard by gender
More boy's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press