Leonard is a distinctive boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #507 in 1999 with 39 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2019 with 235 births ranking #217. In 1999, approximately 1 in every 7,775 boys born was named Leonard. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Leonard is a strong old Germanic name meaning "lion-hearted" or "brave as a lion". It has a long, steady history and a solid, dependable feel.
The name spread across Europe through saints and noble use and later remained familiar in English. Its modern appeal is often softened through shorter forms like Leo, Lennie, or Lenny.