Leo
Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings
How to pronounce the name Leo
Pronunciation guide for Leo
ARPA
L IY1 OW0
IPA
ˈlioʊ
Pronunciation Breakdown
Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Leo
Syllables (2)
L IY1
OW0
Bold syllables indicate primary stress
Sound Breakdown
L
lee (l)IY1
eat (i)OW0
oat (oʊ)International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
ˈlioʊ
Standard international representation
Pronunciation Tips
• Leo has 2 syllables. Take your time with each part.
• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.
Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Leo
Structure
Character Count
3
Syllable Count
2
Vowel Ratio
67%
Name Family
leo
Usability
Pronunciation Difficulty4/10
Moderate difficulty
International Friendliness10/10
Works well across languages
DNA profile of the name Leo
Unique character and personality of the name Leo
Name Personality
The Global
Global
Adaptable
Modern
Key Characteristics
Length
Short
Concise and memorable
Rhythm
Flowing
Balanced rhythm
Sound
Open
Vowel-rich and flowing
Ease
Moderate
May require practice
Global
Universal
Works across cultures
Heritage
leo
Part of this name family
Letter Frequency
l×1
e×1
o×1
Most frequent letters in Leo
Visual Pattern
Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants
Name Statistics
📊
Syllables
2 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Easy
4/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison
How does Leo compare to the average name?
Leo4/10 😐
4.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0
Leo is easier than average by 1.0 points.
Difficulty Scale:
Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)← Leo
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨👩👧👦Name Family
Names related to Leo (root: leo)
Current Name
Leo
Related Names (9)
Medium variations:
Leo-jai
Leo-jay
Leo-john
Long variations:
Leo-alexander
Leo-edward
Leo-harley
Leo-james
Leo-scott
Leo-xavier
Leo belongs to a family of 10 related names.
What does the name Leo mean?
The meaning and origin of Leo
English
noun 1. (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Leo
English
noun 2. a zodiacal constellation in northern hemisphere between Cancer and Virgo
English
noun 3. the fifth sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about July 23 to August 22
Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Leo's meanings
Primary Theme
🌿
Natural
Inspired by nature, elements, or the natural world
Theme Distribution
Natural
2
Descriptive
1
Key Themes
sun
{lion}]\n
lion},\n
{lion}]
leo\nlion
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Leo
Life Path Number
5
The Explorer
Dynamic personalities who thrive on change, freedom, and new experiences.
Adventurous
Adaptable
Free-spirited
Curious
Most Common Letters
l×1
e×1
o×1
Sound Composition
Vowels
2(67%)
Consonants
1(33%)
Vowel-heavy names tend to sound more open and flowing
Numerology Breakdown
l3
e5
o6
Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.
Notable People Named Leo
Famous individuals named Leo
👤
Leo IV
pope of the Catholic Church
Born: 790
👤
Leo Stein
American art collector and critic (1872-1947)
Born: 1872
👤
Leon Pinsker
physician, Zionist pioneer and activist (1821-1891)
Born: 1821
How popular is the name Leo?
Popularity rankings for Leo around the world
| Country | Gender | Rank | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | boy | #5 | 2019-2019 |
| Austria | boy | #21 | 2018-2018 |
| Canada | boy | #10 | 2018-2018 |
| Croatia | boy | #37 | 2009-2009 |
| Czechia | boy | #99 | 1963-1963 |
| Finland | boy | #3 | 2018-2018 |
| France | boy | #235 | 2018-2018 |
| Ireland | boy | #31 | 2019-2019 |
| Italy | boy | #113 | 2018-2018 |
| Netherlands | boy | #242 | 2019-2019 |
| New Zealand | boy | #3 | 2019-2019 |
| Norway | boy | #48 | 2018-2018 |
| Poland | boy | #90 | 2019-2019 |
| Slovenia | boy | #52 | 2018-2018 |
| Spain | boy | #8 | 2018-2018 |
| Sweden | boy | #8 | 2019-2019 |
| Switzerland | boy | #13 | 2018-2018 |
| United Kingdom | boy | #6 | 2018-2018 |
| United States | boy | #50 | 2018-2018 |
| United States | girl | #926 | 1920-1920 |
Leo Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for boys named Leo
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Leo Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for girls named Leo
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Country Comparison
How Leo ranks across different countries
Showing top 10 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)
What names are similar to Leo?
Names similar to Leo
What words rhyme with the name Leo?
Rhyming words for Leo
castillo
castio
cleo
clio
deo
galileo
geo
keo
keogh
keough
kyo
mckeough
meo
neo
pestillo
reo
rio
russolillo
seo
seow
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Leo?
IPA: /ˈlioʊ/ ARPA: L IY1 OW0 This name has a moderate pronunciation difficulty.
How many syllables are in Leo?
Leo has 2 syllables.
Is Leo easy to pronounce?
Leo is relatively easy to pronounce for most English speakers. It doesn't contain uncommon sound combinations.
Is Leo easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Leo is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Who are some famous people named Leo?
There are 100 notable people named Leo. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Leo?
Names similar to Leo include: Leo-alexander, Leo-edward, Leo-harley, Leo-jai, Leo-james. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Leo a good baby name?
Leo is a good baby name, particularly if you value names that are internationally friendly.
Is Leo a boy or girl name?
Leo can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Leo?
The name is spelled L-e-o. Common spelling variations include: Leo-alexander, Leo-edward, Leo-harley.
What does the name Leo mean?
The name Leo has multiple meaningful interpretations. Primary meanings include "Leo\n n 1: (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Leo\n [syn: {Leo}, {Lion}]\n 2: a zodiacal constellation in northern hemisphere between\n Cancer and Virgo\n 3: the fifth sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from\n about July 23 to August 22 [syn: {Leo}, {Leo the Lion},\n {Lion}]" and "leo\nlion". This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Leo?
Middle names that pair well with Leo include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Leo?
Sibling names that pair well with Leo include: Leo-alexander, Leo-edward, Leo-harley, Leo-jai. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Leo?
Most teachers will be able to pronounce Leo correctly after hearing it once or twice. It's relatively phonetic and doesn't contain unusual sound combinations. You may need to provide pronunciation guidance at the start of each school year.
What culture is the name Leo from?
Leo has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Leo suitable for a professional career?
Leo works well professionally - it's internationally friendly for global careers. While name perception exists, professional success depends primarily on skills, work ethic, and personal qualities rather than name choice.
Is Leo a long or short name?
Leo is a very short name with 3 letters (2 syllables). Short names are easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. They work well for children who are learning to write their names.
What are common misspellings of Leo?
Common spelling variations of Leo include: none - this name has a straightforward spelling. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Leo and Leo-alexander?
Leo and Leo-alexander are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Leo is spelled Leo while Leo-alexander is spelled Leo-alexander. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.