Leo - is it overdone?

[SelenaM]

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.

I’d imagine it’s about to become more popular since the election of the new Pope.

No the only Leo’s I know are 10 and 12. Think that is when it peaked and not many little ones now. I like it 😊

Why does it matter? Honestly- with even the most popular names you’d be very unlucky to have another one in your class. And it could happen with any name. Just choose a name you like!

One of mine is Noah. I was living in a different country at the time and Noah wasn’t really popular there. Once he started school (back in Europe) I started coming across it absolutely everywhere. Surprisingly it didn’t actually bother me at all, which logically I would think it would have, but in the end it was fine. Leo is a great name (one of my cats…!) and it may become more popular now because of the pope, as a pp mentioned. But that wouldn’t change my decision. If you really like the name then go with it.

In 2022, Leo was ranked 5, with one in 88 boys being given the name. And that doesn't include variations. Whilst it would probably be ok, if not having repeats in a class is important it's definitely one I would steer away from.

Just to clarify, this isn't true at all - it climbed from #17 12 years ago to number #5 when the last data was put out.

Yes. My DS got 2 in his class.

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.

I have one, he’s 10

there are loads of slightly younger Leo’s where I live ages 6-8, it may be getting less popular. Mine is the only repeated name in his class which surprised me at the time

Agree. I work in a nursery and there's only 1.

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

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.