What does the surname Leon mean?

The surname Leon means "Lion, derived from the Greek word 'leon' meaning lion.". It is of Spanish/Greek origin.

How common is the Leon surname?

There are approximately 500,000 people with the surname Leon in the United States.

Are there Leon soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 900 soldiers with the Leon surname appear in Civil War records.

Leon

Descriptive

Meaning

Lion, derived from the Greek word 'leon' meaning lion.

Etymology

The surname originates from the Greek word 'leon' (lion), which entered Spanish and other Romance languages through historical contact. It may also derive from the Spanish city of León, making it both a descriptive and topographic surname.

About the Leon Surname

A surname with both descriptive and topographic origins, referring either to the animal lion or to the Spanish region of León. The name has become widespread across Spanish-speaking and Mediterranean cultures.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 500,000 bearers in the United States #143 most common surname

Rare Common

Widespread in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Spain and Latin America, with global distribution.

Leon Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Leon Surname

Rene Leon

Quick Facts

Origin: Spanish/Greek
Classification: Descriptive
Earliest Record: Medieval period
Estimated Bearers: 500,000

War Records

900 soldiers with the Leon surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →