Leonila
Meaninglion-like · Latin
Leonila is a Mexican girl name meaning “lion-like”, with Latin roots. Names from Latin have been passed down since Roman times and still feel polished and timeless. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Hidden namesLook closely: Leonila has the names Leon and Ila hiding inside it.
- GenerationLeonila peaked in 1936, which makes it a Silent Generation name, think grandparents and great-grandparents.
- HistoryLeonila first shows up in US birth records in 1922, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 103 years since.
US births per million girls, 1922–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Leonila
Leonila is a girl name of Mexican origin meaning “lion-like”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It was most fashionable in the 1930s, which gives it a vintage, grandparent-chic charm. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Mexican names
More Mexican girl names
- Girl name: Olivia · olive tree
- Girl name: Emma · whole, universal
- Girl name: Amelia · work, industrious
- Girl name: Mia · possibly beloved
- Girl name: Isabella · God is my oath
- Girl name: Evelyn · possibly desired
- Girl name: Sofia · wisdom
- Girl name: Aurora · dawn
Questions about the name Leonila
What does the name Leonila mean?
Leonila means “lion-like” and comes from Latin. Other girl names with a similar meaning include Ariella (“lion of God”), Ariel (“lion of God”), Ari (“lion”) and Leona (“lion”).
What is the origin of the name Leonila?
Leonila is Mexican in origin, and its meaning traces back to Latin. Other Mexican names to consider are Olivia (“olive tree”), Emma (“whole, universal”), Amelia (“work, industrious”) and Mia (“possibly beloved”).
Is Leonila a boy or girl name?
Leonila is a girl name.
How popular is the name Leonila?
Leonila is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2023. It peaked at #2,032 in 1936, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Leonila?
If you like Leonila, you might also like Ariella, Ariel, Ari and Leona.
What should I know before naming my baby Leonila?
Leonila is a Mexican girl name meaning “lion-like”, with Latin roots. Names from Latin have been passed down since Roman times and still feel polished and timeless. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.