Leon

Leon strides in with the slow confidence of its animal namesake. From the Greek leon meaning lion, it has been carried by popes, by Tolstoy, by Leon Trotsky and Leonard Bernstein, and by a new wave of American and European babies whose parents are rediscovering short, elegant classics. It sits at 141 on the American boys chart, climbing steadily. One or two syllables depending on your accent, LEE-on or simply Lyon, either way bright and clean. The long opening vowel does the work, the N lands softly. Quietly regal, literary, a little European. A name that suits the shy kid and the bold one alike.