Leonid is a name of Slavic origin, specifically from the Russian language. It is derived from the Greek name Leonidas, which means "lion" or "brave like a lion". The name Leonid is traditionally given to boys and has been used among Slavic-speaking peoples for centuries.
The name Leonid first gained prominence in Russia during the Middle Ages, with several notable figures bearing this name throughout history. One of the most famous Leopolds was Leonid Brezhnev, who served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1964 to 1982. Another prominent figure was Leonid Kuchma, who was the President of Ukraine from 1994 to 2005.
Despite its historic usage among Slavic peoples, the name Leonid has not been particularly popular in recent years. However, it remains a timeless and distinctive choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their son. In some cultures, Leonid is associated with the feast day of Saint Leonard of Noblac, who was a Frankish knight and martyr in the 6th century. Nevertheless, the name Leonid is primarily known for its linguistic and historical significance rather than any religious or cultural associations.
In terms of pronunciation, Leonid is typically pronounced as /lee-uh-nid/, with the emphasis on the first syllable. The name can also be spelled in various other ways, such as Leontiy, Leonyd, or even Lionide, depending on the language and region. Overall, Leonid is a name that combines strength, nobility, and rich historical roots, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their son.
The statistics provided show the annual births of the name Leonid in the United States from 1959 to 2023. The data illustrates a fluctuating trend over the decades.
In the early years, the number of babies named Leonid was quite low, with only 5 births recorded in 1959. This figure remained relatively stable until the late 1970s when it began to increase gradually. By 1983, there were 10 recorded births with this name.
The 1990s saw a dip in popularity for the name Leonid, with numbers ranging from 5 to 8 births per year between 1995 and 2001. However, since 2002, there has been a notable resurgence in its usage as a baby name.
The years 2002 to 2016 saw a consistent increase in the number of babies named Leonid, reaching a peak of 27 births in both 2016 and 2021. The most recent year for which data is available, 2023, shows a slight decrease with 25 recorded births.
Over the entire period from 1959 to 2023, there were a total of 452 births registered with the name Leonid in the United States. This demonstrates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout the decades.