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Leona

Girl name · 952 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Leona: 952 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 51 births in 2007.

With its roots in the Latin *leo* for “lion,” Leona is the feminine form of Leo, carrying the strength and regal symbolism of the king of beasts. The name was popularised in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, and perhaps its most famous bearer was the formidable American singer-songwriter Leona Lewis, who rose to global fame in the mid-2000s with her powerful, soaring vocals. Historically, the name also connects to the Roman Empress Leontia, though the Scottish landscape offers a more direct link: the name shares its etymology with the island of Lismore, which means “great garden” in Gaelic but was historically anglicised as “Lismore” rather than lion-related. Interestingly, Leona has enjoyed steady but quiet popularity in Scotland, never reaching the heights of its cousin Leanne, yet it remains a classic choice for parents drawn to a name that feels both timeless and quietly fierce.