Leona is a distinctive girls' name in United States, ranking #1679 in 1996 with 91 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 723 births ranking #429. In 1996, approximately 1 in every 19,263 girls born was named Leona. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
Leona is a strong, elegant classic meaning 'lioness'. It carries a clear image of courage and dignity without sounding heavy.
The name has been used in Europe for generations and enjoyed renewed interest as parents returned to vintage names with strength and clarity. It offers a more formal cousin to shorter Leo-based forms.