Leon — Name Day, Meaning & Origin

Male Polish given name · 4669 births in 2024 (rank 5)

A short, strong Polish male name meaning "lion", very fashionable today.

Pronunciation

/ˈlɛ.ɔn/ · LEH-on

Meaning

Leon is a name derived from the Greek word léon, meaning "lion". It thus carries clear associations with strength, courage and dignity, while also sounding fresh and modern today.

Origin & history

The name has Greek roots and in Christian times merged with its Latin counterpart Leo, so that the two forms are sometimes used interchangeably. It was made famous by, among others, a line of popes named Leo. In Poland the name has long been known and has recently been one of the fastest-rising male names.

Etymology

It comes directly from the Greek noun léon — "lion". The Latin counterpart Leo strengthened the name's presence in Christian Europe.

Declension (Polish cases)

Nominative	Leon
Genitive	Leona
Dative	Leonowi
Accusative	Leona
Instrumental	Leonem
Locative	Leonie
Vocative	Leonie

Name day (imieniny)

In Poland, Leon celebrates its name day on 11 April, 12 June, 17 July, 10 November.

Diminutives

Lonek, Leoś, Leonek, Lolek.

Forms in other languages

Equivalents and related forms in other languages include Leo (German, English, Scandinavian), Léon (French), Leone (Italian), León (Spanish) and Lev (Russian, Ukrainian).

Notable people named Leon

Leon Wyczółkowski — Polish painter and printmaker, a leading artist of the Young Poland movement.

Leon Schiller — Polish theatre director, a reformer of the interwar stage.

Leon Trocki — Russian revolutionary and communist leader, co-organiser of the October Revolution.

Popularity

Leon has risen sharply in recent years, entering the top tier of names given to boys in Poland.