Leon

לִיאוֹן

• Gender: Male
• Origin: Jew-ish
• Meaning: lion

• Leon has Greek origins, but in a Jewish context it takes on special resonance. Some interpret it as a combination of the Hebrew words li ("to me") and on ("strength"), giving it the beautiful meaning "my strength." The lion has been a central emblem for the Jewish people for millennia, representing courage and communal leadership, and Leon carries all of that symbolism in a refined, continental package.

  That distinguished European grandpa energy is surging back into style, and this name is leading the charge. Jewish author Leon Uris put it on the literary map with "Exodus," the blockbuster novel that shaped a generation's understanding of Israel's founding. It carries a bit more heft and formality than Leo while still feeling completely approachable on a kid — polished, worldly, and built to age like fine wine.

• Alternate Spellings: LeeOn, Lion, LiOn, Leeon
• Potential Sibling Name:
  Ariela
  ,
  Mina
  ,
  Asher
  ,
  Dean
• Theme: animals