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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Leo - is it overdone?

35 replies

SelenaM · 25/05/2025 08:01

Thinking of using baby boy name Leo. Ticks every box except for potential saturation. I don’t need my son to have a statement name or something particularly unique, but don’t want him to constantly be one of many in class etc. I personally don’t know any baby Leo’s but know variations of the name.

Keen to hear views.

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EleanorReally · 26/05/2025 06:30

i do like Nico and Hugo

EleanorReally · 26/05/2025 06:29

i dont know any
i like it though

user1492757084 · 26/05/2025 05:55

Leo is handsome as are ..
Leonard
Leon
Hugh
Maxim

Original poster
SelenaM · 26/05/2025 05:52

Thanks everyone. I’m leaning towards still like using it. Other options are Nico, Hugo and Mateo.

OP posts:
MerryPortas · 25/05/2025 23:00

I know a 14 year old Leo, and no others, so not oversaturated at all.

Stygimoloch · 25/05/2025 22:59

I have a Leo. He’s 11. There was one other in his primary school (in a different year group) and one other now in his year at secondary.

I still absolutely love the name. I wouldn’t say it’s reached saturation point at all but it wouldn’t stop me using it anyway.

LadyGAgain · 25/05/2025 22:53

Beautiful name

AnneMarieW · 25/05/2025 22:48

It’s a nice sounding, simple name that’s easy to say and spell- yes it is quite trendy but because there is such a wide spread of names now compared to even 30 years ago, you would be unlucky to have a duplicate in class (of course, it does happen but it can happen with the most random of names). For example in DC’s preschool class of 30 there is one Leo - but there is also a Theo, Milo and Arlo (no duplicate name though).

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 25/05/2025 20:28

I imagine that there will be a lot of little Catholic Leos in the next couple of years.

Mydadsbirthday · 25/05/2025 13:14

A pride of Leo's love that!

I think it's a great name and works particularly well with a long surname.

CosmicCuppa · 25/05/2025 13:04

I love the name Leo and was on our shortlist. I don’t think it’s overdone but I think it will get even more popular with the new Pope so if popularity doesn’t worry you overall, it’s a great name.

thecrispfiend · 25/05/2025 13:03

My Leo is 8 and is the only one in his primary school. There are a number of Theos though. He’s named after my great grandfather.

DuchessOfNarcissex · 25/05/2025 12:54

Babies called Leo in England & Wales since 1996

It's very popular, having been in the top 10 since 2012. It's much, much nicer than Theo. Babies called Theo in England & Wales since 1996

BoleynMemories13 · 25/05/2025 10:52

Leo is lovely. Far better to for something you love.

Catandsquirrel · 25/05/2025 10:42

I'd say a bit. Leonard is quite cool though, I'd say that could keep it in the game if you don't want super popular and has short form potential

BootballJoy · 25/05/2025 10:39

It's statistically popular but I've never met one locally at all so it probably varies a bit by region. We know 5 local Louie/Louis including 3 in DC class at school which I think is statistically less popular than Leo so you never know. I'd go for what you love.

Busted2006 · 25/05/2025 10:17

Yes it overdone, we decided to use it as our DS middle name.

I still like it, if I loved it I would use it regardless

LlynTegid · 25/05/2025 09:58

Your DS won't have a lifetime of telling people how to spell his name, that's one advantage.

Moreteaandchocolate · 25/05/2025 09:56

I know of several baby Leo’s born in the last year - I think it will rise in the 2024 statistics, not fall. Having said that, my son has a top 5 name and has never had another in his class / year. The only repeated name in his class is one from outside the top 100 names!

mylovedoesitgood · 25/05/2025 09:49

According to the ONS, it’s a top five boys name in the U.K, which would make me feel a bit wary. Also, Leo Woodall is very likely going to become even more popular and well-known, so unless you really like it I would steer clear.

ThisCatCanHop · 25/05/2025 09:30

I think it’s trending a little - I know of three born in the last few years. There is one in my DC’s reception class. But I wouldn’t worry about that - I would use it if you like it. It’s a lovely, established name. I wouldn’t say it was at saturation point!

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 25/05/2025 09:17

It’s quite popular - but it’s the epic number of Theo’s that would put me off, as the two are so similar.

Also think the Pope will make it a bit more popular - just because people will be more aware of it

GoldenRosebee · 25/05/2025 08:56

ElsaSnow · 25/05/2025 08:44

Wow didn’t know it had climbed that much. Not met any little ones in a long time! Probably varies by area as well. It is a nice name though.

Show quote history

I think it's also different whether or not you're in UK, Australia or USA. She's talking about England and Wales statistics, but may be different in USA, since they prefer longer names.
Also, if you're not around small kids, whether or not you're first time mom or mom to teenagers only, you might not be aware of what names are actually popular around you.
There were 3,6k baby Leo born in 2023, but we don't have info for 2024, and can't tell about all variations of Leo.
I think Leo might drop a bit... people generally avoid names of living monarchs - Victoria wasn't popular during Queen Victoria reign - it spiked only when there was special tragedy or she died. And of course, Charlotte dropped (in UK) after princess was born, but it spiked in USA.

I don't dislike the name, but prefer Leon. I think Leo is overused because it's popular all around world.

Bigearringsbigsmile · 25/05/2025 08:56

I've worked in a school for 15 years. Only ever met one leo

RedToothBrush · 25/05/2025 08:55

Yes overdone. There a whole pride of them at DSs school.