Leo Baby Names

Tue Dec 31 2019By Sophie Kihm

Names for Leo babies have lots of appealing inspirations: lions, gold, and the sun, to name the three main Leo symbols.

Leo is the sign of the lion in the zodiac, and there are plenty of leonine baby names to consider, even Leo itself. Names for a Leo baby could also include those inspired by the color gold, which is both the element and the color associated with Leos.

In astrology, the Sun rules over Leo, so any sun-related names would be appropriate for a baby Leo, along with names that mean fire. If you need a name for a little Leo, these names are great options.

August

Origin:
German form of Latin Augustus
Meaning:
"great, magnificent"
Description:
August has been heating up in Hollywood – used by Mariska Hargitay, Lena Olin, Dave Matthews and Jeanne Tripplehorn for their sons, and is rapidly becoming the preferred month of the year for boys' names. The month of August was named after the Emperor Augustus.

August Continued

Aurora

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"dawn"
Description:
Aurora is the name of the Roman goddess of sunrise whose tears turned into the morning dew. She was said to renew herself by traveling from East to West across the sky, announcing the arrival of the sun each dawn. Aurora is also associated with the scientific term for the Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis.

Aurora Continued

Leo

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"lion"
Description:
Leo was derived from the Latin leo, meaning “lion.” Thirteen popes have carried the name, including St. Leo the Great. In Germanic languages, Leo has historically been used as a nickname for names including Leon and Leopold. In Latinate languages, Leonardo is considered a full form for Leo.

Aurelia

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"the golden one"
Description:
Aurelia is the female form of the Latin name Aurelius, an ancient Roman surname. Aurelius is derived from the Latin word aureus, meaning “golden,” which was also the name of a gold coin used in Ancient Rome. Aurelius was a cognomen, a third name in Roman culture that often referenced a personal characteristic or trait, likely used for someone with golden hair.

Aurelia Continued

Amelia

Origin:
German
Meaning:
"work"
Description:
Amelia is derived from the German name Amalia, which in turn is a variation of Amalberga. The root, amal, is a Germanic word meaning “work,” and in the context of female given names suggests themes of fertility as well as productivity. Aemilia, the name from which Emily is derived, is unrelated to Amelia.

Amelia Continued

Cyrus

Origin:
Persian
Meaning:
"sun"
Description:
Very popular in the Iranian community, this name of the founder of the Persian Empire has had a more down-home, corncob pipe-smoking image for most Americans in the past, but this has begun to change.

Cyrus Continued

Wyatt

Origin:
English surname
Meaning:
"brave in war"
Description:
Wyatt was derived from the Medieval English name Wyot, itself a form of the given name Wigheard, with wig meaning “war” and heard, “brave.” Wyot, along with variations Wiot and Gyot, were also used by the Normans as nicknames for names such as William. Wyatt became a patronymic surname later in the Middle Ages.

Wyatt Continued

Clementine

Origin:
French feminine version of Clement, Latin
Meaning:
"mild, merciful"
Description:
Clementine is a Nameberry favorite that has finally broken back into the US Top 1000 after more than half a century off the list. Still, its style value may mean there are more Clementines than you might guess in your neighborhood—it may be a name that raises Mom's eyebrows, but it won't surprise your friends.

Clementine Continued

Everett

Origin:
English variation of the German Eberhard
Meaning:
"brave as a wild boar"
Description:
Everett is a statesmanlike, wintry New England name whose recent leap in popularity can be credited to its similarity to trendy girls’ names such as Eva and Ava. Its high point was about a century ago, when Everett was a Top 100 name.

Everett Continued

Cordelia

Origin:
Latin; Celtic
Meaning:
"heart; daughter of the sea"
Description:
Cordelia, the name of King Lear's one sympathetic daughter, has style and substance, and is exactly the kind of old-fashioned, grown-up name that many parents are seeking today. If you're torn between Cordelia and the equally lovely Cora, you can always choose Cordelia for long and then call her Cora for short—or Delia, Lia, Del, or even the extremely different Cordie. Cordelia is a Nameberry favorite—Number 106 on the site—and it reentered the US Top 1000 in 2014 after a 60+ year absence.

Cordelia Continued

Elio

Origin:
Italian and Spanish from Greek sun god, Helios
Description:
Elio is a sunny and spirited Italian and Spanish name that makes a great crossover prospect, which could catch on as Enzo has. Elio is also currently popular in France, ranking in the Top 250.

Mae

Origin:
Diminutive of Mary or Margaret
Meaning:
"bitter or pearl"
Description:
Mae is derived from May, the month name that was chosen for its connection to Maia, the Roman goddess of growth and motherhood. Mae can be used as a nickname for the names Mary and Margaret—actress Mae West was born Mary. Alternate spellings include May, Mei, and Maye. The May spelling makes it more of a month name, while Mae makes it an antique nickname name. Both can stand on their own, as seen by Kathryn Hahn's choice of Mae as her daughter's first name.

Isaac

Origin:
Hebrew
Meaning:
"laughter"
Description:
Isaac evolved from the name Yitzchaq, derived from the Hebrew word tzachaq, meaning “to laugh.” In the Old Testament, Isaac was the long-awaited son of the elderly Sarah and 100-year-old Abraham, so old that their news provoked laughter, giving the name its meaning. Isaac is used as a given name among Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.

Isaac Continued

Beau

Origin:
French
Meaning:
"handsome"
Description:
Beau suggests someone devilishly handsome, with a large measure of southern charm—a nice image to bestow on your boy. Often solely a nickname in the past, it's now standing firmly on its own. Beau has been on the Social Security list non-stop since 1969.

Ruby

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"deep red precious stone"
Description:
Ruby, vibrant red, sassy and sultry, has definitely outshone the other revived vintage gem names, with its sparkling resume of cultural references.

Daisy

Origin:
Diminutive of Margaret or flower name, from English
Meaning:
"day's eye"
Description:
Daisy, fresh, wholesome, and energetic, is one of the flower names that burst back into bloom after a century's hibernation. Daisy is now second only to Delilah among most popular girl names starting with D. Originally a nickname for Margaret (the French Marguerite is the word for the flower), Daisy comes from the phrase "day's eye," because it opens its petals at daybreak.

Daisy Continued

Ari

Origin:
Diminutive of Ariel, Hebrew "lion of God"
Meaning:
"lion of God"
Description:
This short form of Ariel (or any other Ari- beginning name, such as Aristotle) stands up better as a boys’ name than its progenitor does. It is also short for Aristotle, as in Onassis, and is a prominent character on TV's Entourage -- the uberagent Ari Gold.

Archie

Origin:
Diminutive of Archibald, Teutonic
Meaning:
"truly brave"
Description:
Archie made global news as the surprise first name of the newborn royal baby, son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex aka Harry and Meghan. Archie has now officially transcended Archie Bunker and Riverdale's Archie to take the, um, throne as the quintessential retro nickname name.

Archie Continued

Beatrix

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"she who brings happiness; blessed"
Description:
Beatrix, has a solid history of its own apart from Beatrice, with that final x adding a playful, animated note to the name's imposing history. It has been largely associated with Beatrix (born Helen) Potter, creator of Peter Rabbit, and Beatrix has been Queen of The Nethelands since 1980.
The main character in Quentin Tarantino's movie Kill Bill was Beatrix Kiddo, played by Uma Thurman.

Beatrix Continued

Apollo

Origin:
Greek mythology name
Description:
With mythological names rising, the handsome son of Zeus and god of medicine, music, and poetry among many other things might offer an interesting, if high-pressure, option. But if Romeo and Venus are now deemed baby-appropriate, why not Apollo? Olympic speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno might inspire some parents. And now that it's been chosen by Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, it could take off as their first son's name—Kingston—has.

Apollo Continued

Aurelius

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"the golden one"
Description:
Since Aurelius was given the supermodel seal of approval by Elle Macpherson, this is one of the Roman emperor names, like Augustus, now in the realm of possibility. Like the female Aurelia and Aurora, Aurelius has a particularly warm golden aura.

Aurelius Continued

Ariel

Origin:
Hebrew
Meaning:
"lion of God"
Description:
Ariel is a male Biblical name, seen there as the messenger of Ezra, and also used as a symbolic name for the city of Jerusalem, while Shakespeare used it for a (male) sprite in The Tempest.

Ariel Continued

Julian

Origin:
English from Latin, variation of Julius
Meaning:
"youthful, downy-bearded, or sky father"
Description:
Julian was derived from Iulianus, which in turn came from Julius, a Roman family name. Its origin is shrouded in history, but possible roots include Latin iuvenis, meaning "youthfu"; Greek ioulos, meaning “downy-bearded”; or Jovis, a form of Jupiter, which means "sky father".
,br/>Julian was a 4th century Roman emperor, and St. Julian the Hospitaller is the patron saint of travelers. In Medieval England, Julian was considered a unisex name, eventually giving rise to the feminine given name Gillian.

Julian Continued

Osiris

Origin:
Egyptian
Meaning:
"with strong eyesight"
Description:
Osiris is the name of Egyptian mythology god-king who died and was reborn every year. Emerging from centuries of obscurity, Osiris has several ingredients for success in the modern world: Roots in ancient myth, an uplifting meaning, an s ending and the cute nickname Os or Oz.

Osiris Continued

Xanthe

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"golden, yellow"
Description:
X marks the spot in names these days, usually at the middles or ends of names, but here is one that puts it squarely up front.

Xanthe Continued

Wolf

Origin:
Animal name or diminutive of Wolfgang
Meaning:
"traveling wolf"
Description:
Wolf is a name with a split personality. It can be seen as one of the fierce animal names, like Fox and Bear and Puma, with a touch of the werewolf, or it can be viewed as a quieter, Wolf Blitzer kind of name, fairly common in German (where is pronounced Vulf) and Jewish families, sometimes as a short form of Wolfgang.

Orla

Origin:
Irish
Meaning:
"golden princess"
Description:
Orla is an Irish name closely associated with the high king Brian Boru, as it was the name of his sister, daughter and niece. It was very popular in the Middle Ages – the fourth most popular name in twelfth century Ireland – and has become popular again in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales today. In Irish, the name is commonly spelled Orlaith or Orlagh.

Eilidh

Origin:
Gaelic
Meaning:
"sun, radiant one"
Description:
Long popular in Scotland, this attractive name is widely considered to be the Gaelic version of Helen. After the Normans introduced it into the British Isles, it was transformed into Aileen or Evelyn. It has rarely been heard in the US, but it is slowly starting to be used here too.

Eilidh Continued

Sullivan

Origin:
Irish surname
Meaning:
"black-eyed one"
Description:
Sullivan is a jaunty Celtic three-syllable name, with a real twinkle in its eye. It was immortalized in the 1930s classic film Sullivan's Travels and was chosen for one of Patrick Dempsey's twin boys. Nickname Sully is equally jaunty.

Sullivan Continued

Leander

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"lion-man"
Description:
Leander is an almost unknown name with great potential as a possible alternative to the overused Alexander. In Greek legend, Leander was the powerful figure who swam across the Hellespont every night to visit his beloved Hero, a priestess of Venus.

Leander Continued

Cyra

Origin:
Persian or Greek
Meaning:
"sun or throne, or lord"
Description:
Cyra is an unusual name that can be pronounced either SEER-a or CY-ra. This name may be a feminine variation of Cyrus but is also a Persian name that stands on its own. One noted bearer is writer Cyra McFadden.

Coco

Origin:
Spanish and French pet name
Description:
Coco came to prominence as the nickname of the legendary French designer Chanel (born Gabrielle) and has lately become a starbaby favorite, initially chosen by Courteney Cox for her daughter Coco Riley in 2004. At first it was the kind of name that the press loves to ridicule, but we predict Coco's heading for more broad acceptance and even popularity.

Leonardo

Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of Leonard, German
Meaning:
"brave lion"
Description:
For centuries this name was associated primarily with the towering figure of Italian Renaissance painter-scientist-inventor Leonardo da Vinci, and was scarcely used outside the Latin culture. But then along came Leonardo DiCaprio, who was supposedly given the name because his pregnant mother felt her first kick while looking at a da Vinci painting in the Ufizzi Gallery in Florence, and who would make the name young and handsome and multi-cultural.
Leonardo is a popular choice among other attractive Italian and Spanish names for boys, and its cousin Leo is popular as well.

Leonardo Continued

Huxley

Origin:
English
Meaning:
"inhospitable place"
Description:
Huxley is definitely rising as a surname name, with its X that makes almost any name cooler. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2015. The modern nicknames Hux and Huck certainly don't hurt.

Huxley Continued

Juliette

Origin:
French from Latin
Meaning:
"little Julia"
Description:
Juliette, pronounced with the emphasis on the last syllable, adds a little something extra to Juliet. In the past years it has been rising up the chart.

Juliette Continued

Marigold

Origin:
Flower name, from English
Meaning:
"golden flower"
Description:
Marigold, once found almost exclusively in English novels and aristocratic nurseries, is beginning to be talked about and considered here; it does have a sunny, golden feel. The marigold was the symbol of the Virgin Mary.

Marigold Continued

Alba

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"white"
Description:
Alba is quietly making a behind-the-scenes comeback, perhaps thanks to actress turned baby-product mogul Jessica Alba. Last on the Top 1000 a century ago, the name was given to more than 150 baby girls in the US last year. Alba might be tomorrow's successor to Ava and Ella. In Spain, Alba ranks among the Top 10 girls' names. Alba is the name of a character in The Time Traveler's Wife.

Samson

Origin:
Hebrew
Meaning:
"sun"
Description:
With the prevailing popularity of Samuel, some parents are considering this more (literally) powerful biblical name, which shares the desirable nickname of Sam.

Samson Continued

Loki

Origin:
Norse mythological name
Description:
Loki is the shape-shifting, gender-bending god of mischief in Norse mythology. Taking several animal forms, from a salmon to a seal to a fly, Loki is alternately friend and foe of the gods.

Blaze

Origin:
English word name
Meaning:
"fire"
Description:
Originally a form of the saint's name Blaise, though now more likely to be a hot word name used for both sexes, though heavily weighted toward the boys. It has been in the boys' Top 1000 since the year 2000.
br>On the pop culture side of things, Blaze Bayley is a singer and musician who has been connected to the bands Wolfsbane and Iron Maiden.

Blaze Continued

Aslan

Origin:
Turkish
Meaning:
"lion"
Description:
Aslan, derived from the Old Turkic for "lion," is best known in the West as the name of the heroic lion in C.S. Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia" series, who serves as an allegorical stand-in for Jesus Christ. It was also used as a positive epithet for several Turkish emperors in the Middle Ages.

Aslan Continued

Jules

Origin:
French form of Latin Julius
Meaning:
"youthful; soft, downy"
Description:
Though Jules hasn't been on the US popularity list in fifty years, it is a current hit in its native France—where it's currently Number 10—and we can definitely see it making a comeback here, being far more romantic than, say, Jim.

Jules Continued

Leonidas

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"lion"
Description:
Leonidas is an ancient name that has started rising again along with centuries-old names such as Augustus and Cato. The original Leonidas was the most famous of Sparta's warriors, sacrificing his life at the Battle of Thermopylae; there is also a saint Leonidas.

Leonidas Continued

Quincy

Origin:
French
Meaning:
"estate of the fifth son"
Description:
Quirky in the way that all Q names are quirky, Quincy was once a buttoned-up, patrician New England name, an image countered in recent years by the talented and ultracool musician Quincy Jones (middle name: Delight; nickname: Q).

Quincy Continued

Helios

Helios Continued

Ariella

Origin:
Spelling variation of Ariel
Meaning:
"lion of God"
Description:
This variation of Ariel, with the extra-feminine suffix, has been on the rise in recent years. It entered the Top 1000 in 2008.

Ariella Continued

Summer

Origin:
Word name
Description:
The temperature is definitely rising for this popular seasonal name, which began being used in the seventies, and has been heard consistently ever since.

Summer Continued

Lucille

Origin:
French variation of Latin Lucilla
Meaning:
"light"
Description:
Lucille is a name that had long been overpowered by its link to Lucille Ball, with an image of tangerine-colored hair, big, round eyes, and a tendency to stage daffy and desperate stunts. But with the newfound craze for double-L names like Lily and Lila, Lulu and Luna, and as the choice of Lucille by hipster parents Maya Rudolph and Paul Thomas Anderson, Lucille is breaking free from its old clownish image, moving rapidly up the charts over the past decade after a long nap.

Lucille Continued

Leopold

Origin:
German
Meaning:
"brave people"
Description:
This aristocratic, somewhat formal Germanic route to the popular Leo is a royal name: Queen Victoria used it to honor a favorite uncle, King Leopold of Belgium. Though Leopold sounds as if it might be a leonine name, it's not really a relative of such choices as Leon, and Leonard.

Leopold Continued

Ford

Origin:
English
Meaning:
"dweller at the ford"
Description:
The long association to the Ford Motor Company doesn't stand in the way of this being a strong, independent, single-syllable name.

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