Origin & Meaning of the Leon Surname
What does the last name Leon mean?
The surname Leon 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 86,363 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Leon ranks as the #363 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Leon come from?
The Leon 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 Leon name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Leon 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 | Leon |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #363 |
| US Count (2010) | 86,363 |
| Per 100K People | 29.28 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Leon
According to the US Census, the Leon surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 86,363 Americans with the Leon last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 9.99% |
| Black | 2.95% |
| Hispanic | 85.21% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.04% |
| Native American | 0.37% |
| Two or More Races | 0.44% |
Popularity of Leon Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Leon surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Leon surname increased by 24,329 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Leon
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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 Leon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leon
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