The baby name Leonie mixes all things fierce with a certain European style.
Thanks to Shannon for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day.
WHAT DOES THE NAME LEONIE MEAN?
Like all of the Leo names, Leonie comes from the Latin word for lion.
Saints and emperors have answered to Leo. Throw in the Old English element leof – beloved – and a few other sources, and this cluster of names is significant: Leon, Leonardo, Leofric, Leopold, and more are all options for boys. On the girls’ side, names like Leona and Leontia appear across the years.
Leonie and Leonia specifically come from Leonius, a Latin elaboration of Leo.
Most sites list the meaning as lioness, which tracks.
FAMOUS FIGURES
While the baby name Leonie is quite rare in the US, a number of notable women have answered to it over the years, including:
- Born in mid-19th century France, Leonie Aviat established a new religious order, and advocated for education and workers, too. She was canonized in 2001.
- New York City-born Leonie Gilmour first met Japanese writer Yone Noguchi when she answered a 1901 ad to serve as Noguchi’s English-language editor. The two eventually started a tumultuous romance. Their son, Isamu Noguchi, would become a noted sculptor. Their daughter, Ailes Gilmour, a modern dance pioneer as a member of Martha Graham’s company. A 2010 film Leonie, as well as a 2013 biography, told her story.
- Long Beach, California is home to the historic landmark Leonie Pray House. Born in Paris, Leonie married a local attorney. The couple met after Mr. Pray served in France during the first World War. They bought the huge English Tudor Revival when they settled down in the US. They became famous for entertaining. By the 1980s, the house became a popular filming location for television and movies.
- Brooklyn-born poet Leonie Adams served as US Poet Laureate from 1948-1949.
- Opera gives us Austrian-born soprano Leonie Rysanek. Her full name? Leopoldine. Her career flourished from the 1950s into the 1990s.
- French nun Leonie Duquet moved to Argentina in the 1970s to work with the poor through the human rights group Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo. Duquet was arrested and killed by the military regime.
Moving into the 21st century, actors Monica Bellucci and VincentCassel named their younger daughter Leoniein 2010. They are also parents to daughter Deva.
In the Netherlands, it’s the middle name of Princess Aimee, wife of Prince Floris.
HOW POPULAR IS THE NAME LEONIE?
Today, the baby name Leonie is quietly gaining in popularity in the US. As of 2025, 80 girls received the name.
But it hasn’t charted in the US Top 1000 since 1907. Even if the name doubled in use by 2026, it would remain relatively unknown.
That’s not the case elsewhere. During the 21st century, Leonie has ranked in the Top Ten in Germany, and when spelled Léonie, in France’s Top 50.
It’s undeniably a choice with a quiet Europe vibe, but it’s easily accessbile in English, too.
RARITY THAT COULD ROAR
With names like Elodie and Sylvie rising in use in the US, Leonie could fit right in. It’s bolder than Lily or Leah, but just on the right side of familiar.
If you’re looking for a surprising choice that blends the spirit of a lioness with pan-European appeal, Leonie might be the perfect choice for your family.
What do you think of the baby name Leonie?
First published on February 21, 2012, this post was revised on April 22, 2012 and August 31, 2026.
My daughter’s name is Leionie Emma, we were set on it as soon as we saw it in the baby name book, although it was spelled Leonie I didn’t want Leon in it as other halfs best friend is called Leon so felt it would be weird, all her friends call my daughter “nonie” though.
I’m still confused…I’m reading the historical novel “Sepulchre” by Kate Moss & a main character’s name is Leonie(accent over the 1st é. In my limited French I pronounce it as Lee-oh-nee. I guess it works for me, plus I’m a Leo, so I might b drawn more toward this pronunciation. I’m just going to go with what feels right to me. By the way Sepulchre is a must read!!
Oh, I love Kate Moss – and I’m sure I haven’t read that one. Adding it to my list – thanks!
My name is Leonie and here in the UK it is almost always pronounced lee-oh-nee. The only time it has been pronounced with Lay is when it has been a person of French origin reading it. I’ve always liked my name, it’s uncommon, (I’ve only ever met 4 other Leonie’s) feminine but strong.
When pronounced with Lay would it not be also nay as in Lay-O-nay rather then Lay-O-nee?
Very late reply, but no.
Leonie is an anglicized spelling of French Léonie – the acute accent on the first “e” (é) is what gives the “ay” sound (roughly); the ending “ie” is pronounced “ee”. Hence, Léonie = “lay-oh-nee”.
I love Leonie– it’s distinctive, yet familiar sounding and not wholly unknown. I hope it starts getting more use; I’d love to see a little Leonie. I did know a Leonie Violet, which I think is lovely.