Origin & Meaning of the Leo Surname
What does the last name Leo mean?
The surname Leo carries the meaning "The (article)." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 8,039 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Leo ranks as the #4,423 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Leo come from?
The Leo surname has its roots in French heritage. Names of French origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Leo name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Leo trace back to French. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Leo |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,423 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,039 |
| Per 100K People | 2.73 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Leo
According to the US Census, the Leo surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,039 Americans with the Leo last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 75.37% |
| Black | 4.69% |
| Hispanic | 7.69% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 9.17% |
| Native American | 0.87% |
| Two or More Races | 2.21% |
Popularity of Leo Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Leo surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Leo surname increased by 401 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Leo
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Other French Surnames
Explore more surnames with French roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French origin as Leo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leo
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