Leona

לִיאוֹנַה

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

• Leona takes the protective, courageous symbolism of the lion — one of the most enduring images in Jewish art and liturgy — and channels it through a decidedly feminine lens. The name means "lioness," and it carries a fierce tenderness that balances strength with warmth in equal measure. Its two strong syllables have the kind of classic, old-world dignity that works on a little girl and only gets more powerful as she grows.

  Ripe for a major revival, this name has the glamorous sweep of old Hollywood and the roaring backbone of a lioness. It is both soft and commanding — rare enough to turn heads, familiar enough to need no explanation. Picture it whispered over a cradle, then picture it engraved on an office door. Both look spectacular.

• Alternate Spellings: Liona, Leeona
• Potential Sibling Name:
  Ariela
  ,
  Mina
  ,
  Asher
  ,
  Dean
• Theme: animals