Leonard or ''Leo'' is a common English

masculine Masculinity (also called manhood or manliness) is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles generally associated with men and boys. Masculinity can be theoretically understood as socially constructed, and there is also evidence that some beh ...

given name A given name (also known as a forename or first name) is the part of a personal name quoted in that identifies a person, potentially with a middle name as well, and differentiates that person from the other members of a group (typically a f ...

and a

surname In many societies, a surname, family name, or last name is the mostly hereditary portion of one's personal name that indicates one's family. It is typically combined with a given name to form the full name of a person, although several give ...

. The given name and surname originate from the

Old High German Old High German (OHG; ) is the earliest stage of the German language, conventionally identified as the period from around 500/750 to 1050. Rather than representing a single supra-regional form of German, Old High German encompasses the numerous ...

'' Leonhard'' containing the prefix ''levon'' ("lion") from the Greek Λέων ("lion") through the Latin ''

Leo Leo is the Latin word for lion. It most often refers to: * Leo (constellation), a constellation of stars in the night sky * Leo (astrology), an astrological sign of the zodiac * Leo (given name), a given name in several languages, usually mas ...

,'' and the suffix ''hardu'' ("brave" or "hardy"). The name has come to mean "lion strength", "lion-strong", or "lion-hearted". Leonard was the name of a Saint in the

Middle Ages In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the 5th to the late 15th centuries, similarly to the post-classical period of global history. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and ...

period, known as the

patron saint A patron saint, patroness saint, patron hallow or heavenly protector is a saint who in Catholicism, Anglicanism, Eastern Orthodoxy or Oriental Orthodoxy is regarded as the heavenly advocate of a nation, place, craft, activity, class, clan, fa ...

of prisoners. Leonard is also an Irish origin surname, from the

Gaelic Gaelic (pronounced for Irish Gaelic and for Scots Gaelic) is an adjective that means "pertaining to the Gaels". It may refer to: Languages * Gaelic languages or Goidelic languages, a linguistic group that is one of the two branches of the Insul ...

''O'Leannain'' also found as O'Leonard, but often was anglicised to just Leonard, consisting of the prefix ''O'' ("descendant of") and the suffix ''Leannan'' ("lover"). The oldest public records of the surname appear in 1272 in

Huntingdonshire Huntingdonshire (; abbreviated Hunts) is a local government district in Cambridgeshire, England, which was historically a county in its own right. It borders Peterborough to the north, Fenland to the north-east, East Cambridgeshire to the e ...

, England, and in 1479 in

Ulm Ulm () is the sixth-largest city of the southwestern German state of Baden-Württemberg, and with around 129,000 inhabitants, it is Germany's 60th-largest city. Ulm is located on the eastern edges of the Swabian Jura mountain range, on the up ...

, Germany.

Variations

The name has variants in other languages: * Anard/Nardu/Lewnardu/Leunardu (Maltese) * Leen,

Leendert Leendert is a Dutch given name. Notable people with this name include: * Leendert van Beijeren (1619–1649), Dutch painter * Leendert Bosch (1924–2017), Dutch biochemist * Leen Buis (1906–1986), Dutch road cyclist, given name Leendert * Le ...

, Lenard (Dutch) * Lehnertz, Lehnert (Luxembourgish) * Len (English) *

Lénárd Leonard or ''Leo'' is a common English masculine given name and a surname. The given name and surname originate from the Old High German '' Leonhard'' containing the prefix ''levon'' ("lion") from the Greek Λέων ("lion") through the Latin '' ...

(Hungarian) * Lenart (disambiguation) (Slovene) * Linhart (Czech) *

Lennard Lennard may refer to: * Lennard Freeman (born 1995), American basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League * Lennard Pearce (1915–1984), English actor * Dave Lennard (born 1944), English footballer * Henry Lennard (16th–17th cen ...

, diminutive forms Lenny * Lennart (Swedish, Estonian, Dutch) * Lennert (German, Dutch) * Lev (Ukrainian) * Lenni (Finnish) * Lenno (

Groningen Groningen ( , ; ; or ) is the capital city and main municipality of Groningen (province), Groningen province in the Netherlands. Dubbed the "capital of the north", Groningen is the largest place as well as the economic and cultural centre of ...

) * Lenny (English) *

(many languages) *

Leon Leon, Léon (French) or León (Spanish) may refer to: Places Europe * León, Spain, capital city of the Province of León * Province of León, Spain * Kingdom of León, an independent state in the Iberian Peninsula from 910 to 1230 and again fro ...

(English, German, Dutch, Russian, Polish) * Léon (French), León (Spanish) * Léonard (; French) * Leonard = "Renata" in Māori, Waitaha * Leonardo (Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese) * Leonhard, Leonhardt (German) * Leontxo (Basque) * O'Leannáin * O'Lionaird * Leòmhannard (Scottish Gaelic) * Linard (Rhaeto-Romanic / Swiss) * Lionard (Scottish Gaelic)

In other languages

Armenian Armenian may refer to: * Something of, from, or related to Armenia, a country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia * Armenians, the national people of Armenia, or people of Armenian descent ** Armenian diaspora, Armenian communities around the ...

: Լեոնարդ (Leonard) * Croatian: Leonard *

Czech Czech may refer to: * Anything from or related to the Czech Republic, a country in Europe ** Czech language ** Czechs, the people of the area ** Czech culture ** Czech cuisine * One of three mythical brothers, Lech, Czech, and Rus *Czech (surnam ...

: Leonard * French: Léonard * Georgian: ლეონარდ (Leonard) *

German German(s) may refer to: * Germany, the country of the Germans and German things **Germania (Roman era) * Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language ** For citizenship in Germany, see also Ge ...

: Leonard, Leonhard, Leonhardt, Lennart *

Greek Greek may refer to: Anything of, from, or related to Greece, a country in Southern Europe: *Greeks, an ethnic group *Greek language, a branch of the Indo-European language family **Proto-Greek language, the assumed last common ancestor of all kno ...

: Λεονάρδος (Leonárdos) *

Hebrew Hebrew (; ''ʿÎbrit'') is a Northwest Semitic languages, Northwest Semitic language within the Afroasiatic languages, Afroasiatic language family. A regional dialect of the Canaanite languages, it was natively spoken by the Israelites and ...

: לֵב־אֲרִי (Lév-Ari) * Hungarian: Lénárd, Leonárd *

Indonesian Indonesian is anything of, from, or related to Indonesia, an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. It may refer to: * Indonesians, citizens of Indonesia ** Native Indonesians, diverse groups of local inhabitants of the archipelago ** Indonesian ...

: Leonardo, Leonard, Lenno, Leo, Leon, Lenny *

Italian Italian(s) may refer to: * Anything of, from, or related to the people of Italy over the centuries ** Italians, a Romance ethnic group related to or simply a citizen of the Italian Republic or Italian Kingdom ** Italian language, a Romance languag ...

: Leonardo * Latvian: Linards * Lithuanian: Leonardas *

Māori Māori or Maori can refer to: Relating to the Māori people * Māori people of New Zealand, or members of that group * Māori language, the language of the Māori people of New Zealand * Māori culture * Cook Islanders, the Māori people of the Co ...

: Renātā *

Maltese Maltese may refer to: * Someone or something of, from, or related to Malta * Maltese alphabet * Maltese cuisine * Maltese culture * Maltese language, the Semitic language spoken by Maltese people * Maltese people, people from Malta or of Maltese ...

: Nardu *

Polish Polish may refer to: * Anything from or related to Poland, a country in Europe * Polish language * Polish people, people from Poland or of Polish descent * Polish chicken * Polish brothers (Mark Polish and Michael Polish, born 1970), American twin ...

: Leonard * Portuguese: Leonardo *

Romanian Romanian may refer to: *anything of, from, or related to the country and nation of Romania **Romanians, an ethnic group **Romanian language, a Romance language ***Romanian dialects, variants of the Romanian language **Romanian cuisine, traditional ...

: Leonard *

Russian Russian(s) may refer to: *Russians (), an ethnic group of the East Slavic peoples, primarily living in Russia and neighboring countries *A citizen of Russia *Russian language, the most widely spoken of the Slavic languages *''The Russians'', a b ...

: Леонард (Leonard) *

Serbian Serbian may refer to: * Pertaining to Serbia in Southeast Europe; in particular **Serbs, a South Slavic ethnic group native to the Balkans ** Serbian language ** Serbian culture **Demographics of Serbia, includes other ethnic groups within the co ...

: Леонард (Leonard) *

Spanish Spanish might refer to: * Items from or related to Spain: **Spaniards are a nation and ethnic group indigenous to Spain **Spanish language, spoken in Spain and many countries in the Americas **Spanish cuisine **Spanish history **Spanish culture ...

: Leonardo * Swedish: Lennart *

Yiddish Yiddish, historically Judeo-German, is a West Germanic language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jews. It originated in 9th-century Central Europe, and provided the nascent Ashkenazi community with a vernacular based on High German fused with ...

: לעאָנאַרד (Leonard) * Ukrainian: Лев (Lev)

Given name

Leonard Adleman Leonard Adleman (born December 31, 1945) is an American computer scientist. He is one of the creators of the RSA encryption algorithm, for which he received the 2002 Turing Award. He is also known for the creation of the field of DNA computin ...

(born 1945), American computer scientist *

Léonard Autié Léonard-Alexis Autié, also Autier (c. 1751 – 20 March 1820), often referred to simply as Monsieur Léonard, was the favourite hairdresser of Queen Marie Antoinette and in 1788–1789 founded the Théâtre de Monsieur, "the first resident t ...

(1751–1820), French hairdresser *

Leonard Baskin Leonard Baskin (August 15, 1922 – June 3, 2000) was an American sculptor, draughtsman and graphic artist, as well as founder of the Gehenna Press (1942–2000). One of America's first fine arts presses, it went on to become "one of the most imp ...

(1922–2000), American artist *

Leonard Bernstein Leonard Bernstein ( ; born Louis Bernstein; August 25, 1918 – October 14, 1990) was an American conductor, composer, pianist, music educator, author, and humanitarian. Considered to be one of the most important conductors of his time, he was th ...

(1918–1990), American conductor and composer * Leonard Burton (born 1964), American football player *

Leonard of Chios Leonard of Chios (; ), also called Leonardo Giustiniani, was a Greek scholar of the Dominican Order and Latin Bishop of Mytilene, best known for his eye-witness account of the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, which is one of the main sources for the ...

(died 1458), Catholic archbishop *

Leonard Cohen Leonard Norman Cohen (September 21, 1934November 7, 2016) was a Canadian songwriter, singer, poet, and novelist. Themes commonly explored throughout his work include faith and mortality, isolation and depression, betrayal and redemption, soc ...

(1934–2016), Canadian singer-songwriter *

Leonard Cheshire Geoffrey Leonard Cheshire, Baron Cheshire, (7 September 1917 – 31 July 1992) was a British Royal Air Force pilot, officer and philanthropist. Cheshire fought in the Second World War. Among the decorations Cheshire received as a pilot w ...

(1917–1992), British philanthropist *

Leonard Doroftei Leonard Dorin Doroftei (, also known as ''Leonard Dorin''; born 10 April 1970) is a Romanian former boxer, the WBA Lightweight World Champion from 5 January 2002 to 24 October 2003. Amateur highlights Doroftei took up boxing at the age of 14 a ...

(born 1970), Romanian boxer *

Leonhard Euler Leonhard Euler ( ; ; ; 15 April 170718 September 1783) was a Swiss polymath who was active as a mathematician, physicist, astronomer, logician, geographer, and engineer. He founded the studies of graph theory and topology and made influential ...

(1707–1783), Swiss mathematician *

Leonardo Fibonacci Leonardo Bonacci ( – ), commonly known as Fibonacci, was an Italian mathematician from the Republic of Pisa, considered to be "the most talented Western mathematician of the Middle Ages". The name he is commonly called, ''Fibonacci'', is f ...

(c. 1170 – after 1240), Italian mathematician * Leonard Fairley (born 1951), American football player *

Leonard Fournette Leonard Joseph Fournette III (born January 18, 1995) is an American professional football running back. He played college football for the LSU Tigers, and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NFL dra ...

(born 1995), American football player * Leonhard Fuchs (1501–1566), German physician and natural historian * Leonard Hackney (1855–1938), Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court *

Leonard Harsh Leonard Harsh (March 22, 1801 – 1866) was an American politician from Ohio. He served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1843 to 1844 and from 1862 to 1864. Early life Leonard Harsh was born on March 22, 1801, in Washington ...

(1801–1866), American politician from Ohio *

Leonard Hoffmann, Baron Hoffmann Leonard Hubert "Lennie" Hoffmann, Baron Hoffmann (born 8 May 1934) is a senior South African–British judge. Currently, he serves as a Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong; he formerly served as a Lord of Appeal in ...

(born 1934), British judge * Leonard Humphries (born 1970), American football player * Leonard Labatt (1838–1897), Swedish tenor * Leonard Lance (born 1952), American politician *

Leonard Lansink Leonard Lansink (born 7 January 1956) is a German actor. He appeared in more than one hundred films since 1983. Selected filmography References External links * 1956 births Living people German male film actors German male telev ...

(born 1956), German actor *

Leonard Lauder Leonard Alan Lauder (March 19, 1933 – June 14, 2025) was an American billionaire, philanthropist, and art collector. Together, he and his brother, Ronald Lauder, were the sole heirs to The Estée Lauder Companies cosmetics fortune, founded by ...

(1933–2025), American cosmetics industry executive * Leonard "Lenny" Kravitz (born 1964), American singer and songwriter * Leonard M. Kravitz (1931–1951), American soldier and Medal of Honor recipient * Leonard Francis Lindoy (born 1937), Australian chemist * Leonard Livingston (1920–1998), Australian cricketer *

Leonard Maltin Leonard Michael Maltin (born December 18, 1950) is an American film critic, film historian, and author. He is known for his book of film capsule reviews, '' Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide'', published from 1969 to 2014. Maltin was the film criti ...

(born 1950), American film critic and film historian * Leonard Marchand (1933–2016), Canadian politician *

Leonard Mlodinow Leonard Mlodinow (born November 26, 1954) is an American theoretical physicist and mathematician, screenwriter and author. In physics, he is known for his work on the large N expansion, a method of approximating the spectrum of atoms based on t ...

(born 1954), American physicist and writer *

Leonard Nimoy Leonard Simon Nimoy ( ; March 26, 1931 – February 27, 2015) was an American actor and director, famous for playing Spock in the ''Star Trek'' franchise for almost 50 years. This includes Development of Spock, originating Spock in Star Trek: T ...

(1931–2015), American actor and film director *

Leonard of Noblac Leonard of Noblac (also Leonard of Limoges or Leonard of Noblet; also known as Lienard, Linhart, Lenart, Leonhard, Léonard, Leonardo, Annard; died 559) is a Franks, Frankish saint closely associated with the town and abbey of Saint-Léonard-de- ...

(died 559), Frankish nobleman *

Leonard Peikoff Leonard Sylvan Peikoff (; born October 15, 1933) is a Canadian American philosopher. He is an Objectivist and was a close associate of Ayn Rand, who designated him heir to her estate. Peikoff is a former professor of philosophy and host of a na ...

(born 1933), Canadian philosopher *

Leonard Peltier Leonard Peltier (born September 12, 1944) is a Native American activist and member of the American Indian Movement (AIM) who was convicted of murdering two Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents in a June 26, 1975, shooting on the Pine Rid ...

(born 1944), American Activist *

Leonard Pitts Leonard Garvey Pitts Jr. (born October 11, 1957) is an American commentator, journalist, and novelist. He is a nationally syndicated columnist and winner of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. He was originally hired by the ''Miami Herald' ...

(born 1957), American journalist *

Leonard of Port Maurice Leonard of Port Maurice, O.F.M., (; 20 December 1676 – 26 November 1751) was an Italian Franciscan preacher and ascetic writer. Life Leonard was born 19 December 1676, the son of Domenico Casanova and Anna Maria Benza. He was given the name ...

(1676–1751), Italian saint *

Leonard Roberts Leonard Roberts (born November 17, 1972) is an American actor. He portrayed Sean Taylor in '' Drumline'', Forrest Gates on the fourth season of ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' and D. L. Hawkins on '' Heroes''. Early life Roberts was born in St. ...

(born 1972), American actor * Leonard "Lennie" Rosenbluth (1933–2022), American basketball player *

Leonard Rosenman Leonard Rosenman (September 7, 1924 – March 4, 2008) was an American film, television and concert composer with credits in over 130 works, including '' East of Eden'', '' Rebel Without a Cause'', '' Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home'', '' Beneath t ...

(1924–2008), American composer *

Leonard Rossiter Leonard Rossiter (21 October 1926 – 5 October 1984) was an English actor. He had a long career in the theatre but achieved his highest profile for his television comedy roles starring as Rupert Rigsby in the ITV series '' Rising Damp'' from 19 ...

(1926–1984), English actor * Leonard Silverman (1930–2015), New York politician and judge *

Leonard Slatkin Leonard Edward Slatkin (born September 1, 1944) is an American conductor, author and composer. Early life and education Slatkin was born in Los Angeles to a Jewish musical family that came from areas of the Russian Empire now in Ukraine. His fat ...

(born 1944), American conductor * Leonard Steinberg, Baron Steinberg (1936–2009), British businessman *

Leonard Stone Leonard Stone ( Steinbock; November 3, 1923 – November 2, 2011) was an American character actor who played supporting roles in over 120 television shows and 35 films. Early life Stone was born in Salem, Oregon, the son of Jewish parents Julia ...

(1923–2011), American actor * Leonard Sumner, indigenous Canadian singer-songwriter *

Leonard Susskind Leonard Susskind (; born June 16, 1940)his 60th birth anniversary was celebrated with a special symposium at Stanford University.in Geoffrey West's introduction, he gives Suskind's current age as 74 and says his birthday was recent. is an Americ ...

(born 1940), American theoretical physicist *

Leonard Taylor (disambiguation) Leonard Taylor or Lenny Taylor may refer to: * Lenny Taylor (football coach), Jamaican soccer coach * Lenny Taylor Leonard Moore Taylor (born February 15, 1961) is an American former professional football wide receiver in the National Footba ...

, multiple people *

Leonard Thompson (footballer) Leonard Thompson (18 February 1901 – 26 August 1968) was an English professional footballer. He was born in Sheffield as the next to youngest child of Arthur William Thompson and Annie Willy. Too young to go to war, Thompson was encouraged to ...

(1901–1968), British football player * Leonard Merlyn Wickramasuriya (1916–2002), Sri Lankan Sinhala army brigadier *

Leonard Woolley Sir Charles Leonard Woolley (17 April 1880 – 20 February 1960) was a British archaeologist best known for his Excavation (archaeology), excavations at Ur in Mesopotamia. He is recognized as one of the first "modern" archaeologists who excavat ...

(1880–1960), British archaeologist *

Leonard Wong Leonard Wong (born 30 December 1958) is a Research Professor of Military Strategy (Human and Organizational Dimensions) in the Strategic Studies Institute at the U.S. Army War College, who focuses on the human and organizational dimensions of the m ...

, American military writer * Leonard Wu, American actor, writer and producer

Surname

A–F

* Ada Leonard (1915–1997), American bandleader *

Adam Leonard (singer-songwriter) Adam Leonard (born 27 March 1969) is an English singer-songwriter working mainly in the Folk music, folk, Psychedelic music, psychedelic and electronic music fields. His style is often described as lo-fi music, lo-fi and the subject matter of h ...

(born 1969), English singer-songwriter * Adna Wright Leonard (1874–1943), Methodist Bishop of Buffalo NY *

André-Joseph Léonard André-Joseph Léonard (; born 6 May 1940) is a Belgian Catholic retired prelate who served as the Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels and Primate of Belgium from 2010 to 2015. He previously served as Bishop of Namur from 1991 until 2010 under th ...

(born 1940), Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels *

Andrew Leonard Andrew Leonard (born 1962) is an American journalist who writes feature articles for ''San Francisco'' and contributes to Medium. From 1995 to 2014 he wrote for '' Salon.com''. He has also written for ''Wired''. Career Leonard is credited with c ...

, American technology journalist * Andy Leonard (1846–1903), baseball *

Benny Leonard Benny Leonard (born Benjamin Leiner; April 7, 1896 – April 18, 1947) was an American professional boxer who held the world lightweight championship for eight years, from 1917 to 1925. Widely considered one of the all-time greats, he was ranked ...

(born Benjamin Leiner; "The Ghetto Wizard", 1896–1947), American world champion Hall of Fame lightweight boxer * Bill Leonard (politician) (born 1947), American politician *

Bobby Leonard William Robert "Slick" Leonard (July 17, 1932April 13, 2021) was an American professional basketball player, coach and color commentator. He played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball, Indiana Hoosiers, where he was a tw ...

(1932–2021), American basketball coach * Brad Leonard (born 1979), New Zealand cricketer * Brendon Leonard (born 1985), rugby union *

Brian Leonard Brian Leonard (born February 3, 1984) is an American former professional football player who was a fullback in the National Football League (NFL).He played college football for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and was selected by the St. Louis Ram ...

(born 1984), American football *

Buck Leonard Walter Fenner "Buck" Leonard (September 8, 1907 – November 27, 1997) was an American first baseman in Negro league baseball and in the Mexican League. After growing up in North Carolina, he played for the Homestead Grays between 1934 and 1950, ...

(1907–1997), baseball * Cecil Leonard (1946–2020), American football * Chuck Leonard (1937–2004), radio * Conrad Leonard (1898–2003), pianist * Cynthia Leonard (1828–1908), suffragist *

Deane Leonard Deane Joseph Leonard (born November 20, 1999) is a Canadian professional football cornerback for the Los Angeles Chargers in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Calgary Dinos before transferring to the Ole Miss ...

(born 1999), American football player * Dennis Leonard (born 1951), baseball *

Dick Leonard Richard Lawrence Leonard (12 December 1930 – 24 June 2021) was a British writer, journalist and Labour politician who served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Romford from 1970 to 1974. He was a pro-European social democrat and had been a ...

(1930–2021), British politician *

Dutch Leonard (left-handed pitcher) Hubert Benjamin "Dutch" Leonard, (April 16, 1892 – July 11, 1952) was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who had an 11-year career from 1913 to 1921, and 1924 to 1925. He played for the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers ...

(1892–1952, Hubert Benjamin Leonard), baseball *

Dutch Leonard (right-handed pitcher) Emil John "Dutch" Leonard (March 25, 1909 – April 17, 1983) was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a right-handed knuckleball pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers (1933–1936), Washington Senato ...

(Emil John Leonard, 1909–1983), baseball * Edwin Leonard (1823–1900), American Civil War Medal of Honor recipient *

Ego Leonard Ego Leonard is a guerrilla art project by Leon Keer, consisting primarily of outsized Lego figures. The name is also applied to sculptures, made by "Leonard", which have been found on beaches at various locations in the world since the late 20 ...

, anonymous Dutch sculptor, painter, guerrilla artist * Elijah Leonard (1814–1891), Canadian politician * Elizabeth Weeks Leonard, American professor *

Elmore Leonard Elmore John Leonard Jr. (October 11, 1925August 20, 2013) was an American novelist, short story author and screenwriter. He was, according to British journalist Anthony Lane, "hailed as one of the best crime writers in the land". His earliest no ...

(1925–2013), American novelist *

Emery Clarence Leonard Emery Clarence Leonard (1892–1968) was an American botanist known for his work on the Acanthaceae plant family and on the flora of Haiti Haiti, officially the Republic of Haiti, is a country on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea, ...

(1892–1968), American botanist *

Fred Churchill Leonard Fred Churchill Leonard (February 16, 1856 – December 5, 1921) was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania. Fred C. Leonard was born in Elmer, Pennsylvania. He attended the public schools, the State normal ...

(1856–1921), American politician *

Frederick C. Leonard Frederick Charles Leonard (March 12, 1896 – June 23, 1960) was an American astronomer. As a faculty member at the University of California, Los Angeles, he conducted extensive research on double stars and meteorites, largely shaping the univers ...

(1896–1960), American astronomer

G–L

Gary Leonard Gary Francis Leonard (born February 16, 1967) is an American former professional basketball player. At 7'1" and 295 lbs, he played center (basketball), center. Leonard played college basketball for the Missouri Tigers men's basketball, Mis ...

(born 1967), basketball *

George Leonard George Burr Leonard (August 9, 1923 – January 6, 2010) was an American writer, editor, and educator who wrote extensively about education and human potential. He served as President Emeritus of the Esalen Institute, past-president of the ...

(1923–2010), American author *

Glenn Leonard Glenn may refer to: Name or surname * Glenn (name) * John Glenn, U.S. astronaut Cultivars * Glenn (mango) * a 6-row barley variety Places In the United States: * Glenn, California * Glenn County, California * Glenn, Georgia, a settlement i ...

(born 1947), American musician * Gloria Leonard (1940–2014), actress *

Graham Leonard Graham Douglas Leonard (8 May 1921 – 6 January 2010) was an English Roman Catholic priest and former Anglican bishop. His principal ministry was as a bishop of the Church of England but, after his retirement as the Bishop of London, he beca ...

(1921–2010), Anglican Bishop converted to Catholicism *

Gustav Leonhardt Gustav Maria Leonhardt (30 May 1928 – 16 January 2012) was a Dutch keyboardist, conductor, musicologist, teacher and editor. He was a leading figure in the historically informed performance movement to perform music on period instruments. Leo ...

(1928–2012), Dutch musician, conductor, musicologist *

Harlan Leonard Harlan Leonard (July 2, 1905 – November 10, 1983) was an American jazz bandleader and clarinetist from Kansas City, Missouri, United States. Leonard was born in Kansas City in 1905. A professional musician from the age of 17, he joined Bennie ...

(1905–1983), American jazz musician * Harry Ward Leonard (1861–1915), inventor * Herbert Léonard (1945–2025), French singer, entertainer and historian * Herbert B. Leonard (1922–2006), American producer and writer *

Herman Leonard Herman Leonard (March 6, 1923, in Allentown, Pennsylvania – August 14, 2010, in Los Angeles, California) was an American photographer known for his unique images of jazz icons. Early life and education Leonard was born in Allentown, Pennsylv ...

(1923–2010), photographer *

Hookey Leonard James "Hookey" or "Hooky" Leonard (1906–1959) was a Scottish people, Scottish professional footballer. Leonard signed with Cowdenbeath F.C., Cowdenbeath in 1923. He quickly became a club favourite with brilliant performances. However, during ...

, Scottish professional footballer * Hubert Léonard (1819–1890), Belgian violinist *

Hugh Leonard Hugh Leonard (9 November 1926 – 12 February 2009) was an Irish dramatist, television writer, and essayist. In a career that spanned 50 years, Leonard wrote nearly 30 full-length plays, 10 one-act plays, three volumes of essay, two autobiograph ...

(1926–2009), Irish playwright *

Isabel Leonard Isabel Leonard (born February 18, 1982) is an American mezzo-soprano opera singer based in New York City. She is of Argentine ancestry on her mother's side. Education Leonard was born in New York City. For five years she sang with the Manhattan S ...

(born 1982), American operatic mezzo-soprano * J. Paul Leonard (1901–1995), American university president, educator * J. Rich Leonard, American judge *

Jack E. Leonard Jack E. Leonard (born Leonard Lebitsky; April 24, 1910 – May 10, 1973) was an Americans, American comedian and actor who made frequent appearances on television variety show, variety and game shows. Biography Leonard was born Leonard Leb ...

(1910–1973), comedian * Jacqueline Leonard (born 1965), Scottish actress *

James Leonard (disambiguation) James Leonard may refer to: * Bobo Leonard (James Leonard), American Negro League baseball player * James Leonard, co-host of The Two Norries podcast * James Leonard, one of the co-proprietors of the Beverly Cotton Manufactory * James A. Leonard ( ...

, several people *

Jason Leonard Jason Leonard (born 14 August 1968) is an English former rugby union player. He won a then-record 114 caps for England men’s rugby team during a 14-year international career. A prop, Leonard played club rugby for Barking RFC, Saracens and H ...

(born 1968), English rugby union player * Jeffrey Leonard (born 1955), American baseball player *

Jerris Leonard Jerris Leonard (January 17, 1931July 27, 2006) was an American lawyer and Republican politician. He served as Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division in the United States Department of Justice during the first two years of th ...

(1931–2006), American politician *

Jim Leonard (disambiguation) James Leonard may refer to: * Bobo Leonard (James Leonard), American Negro League baseball player * James Leonard, co-host of The Two Norries podcast * James Leonard, one of the co-proprietors of the Beverly Cotton Manufactory * James A. Leonard ( ...

, several people *

Jimmy Leonard James Leonard (5 June 1927 – 13 April 2022) was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician. Leonard was first elected to Dáil Éireann as a Fianna Fáil Teachta Dála (TD) for the Monaghan constituency at the 1973 general election. He was re-elected f ...

(1927–2022), Irish politician *

Joe Leonard Joseph Paul Leonard (August 4, 1932 – April 27, 2017) was an American professional motorcycle racer and racecar driver. Biography Motorcycle career Leonard won the first A.M.A. Grand National Championship Series in 1954 and won it again in 19 ...

(1932–2017), motorsports * John J. Leonard, mayor of Bolingbrook, Illinois *

John Leonard (critic) John Leonard (February 25, 1939 – November 5, 2008) was an American literary, television, film, and cultural critic. For ''Life'' and ''The New York Times'' he wrote under the pen name of Cyclops. Biography John Leonard grew up in Washington, ...

(1939–2008), American critic, pen name Cyclops *

John Leonard (Gaelic footballer) John Leonard (born 20 October 1976) is a Gaelic footballer who played for the St Sylvester's club and the Dublin county team. He was born in Dublin Dublin is the capital and largest city of Republic of Ireland, Ireland. Situated on Dubl ...

(born 1976), Gaelic football goalkeeper * John Leonard (poet) (born 1965), Australian poet *

Johnny Leonard John James Leonard (8 June 1903 – 10 May 1995) was a player and coach of Australian rules football in the West Australian Football League (WAFL) and the Victorian Football League (later renamed to Australian Football League) in the period ...

(1903–1995), Australian rules football * Joseph John Henry Leonard (1863–1929), Australian illustrator *

Joshua Leonard Joshua Granville Leonard (born June 17, 1975) is an American actor, producer, writer, and director, known for his role in ''The Blair Witch Project'' (1999). He has since starred in films such as '' Madhouse'' (2004), '' The Shaggy Dog'' (2006), ' ...

(born 1975), actor *

Justin Leonard Justin Charles Garrett Leonard (born June 15, 1972) is an American professional golfer. He has 12 career wins on the PGA Tour, including one major, the 1997 Open Championship. He currently plays on the PGA Tour Champions. He is one of only five ...

(born 1972), American golfer *

Kawhi Leonard Kawhi Anthony Leonard ( ; born June 29, 1991) is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A two-time NBA champion, he is a six-time NBA All-Star, All-Star and a six- ...

(born 1991), American basketball player * Larry Leonard (1934–2002), American politician * Lee Leonard (1929–2018), US TV personality * Louise Wareham Leonard, American author

M–Z

* Marion Leonard (1881–1956), actress * Mark Leonard (footballer) (born 1962), association football *

Marshall Leonard Marshall Leonard (born December 29, 1980, in El Paso, Texas, El Paso, Texas) is an American soccer defender (soccer), defender and midfielder, who last played for the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer. Leonard is African American. He ...

(born 1980), soccer player * Matthew Leonard (1929–1967), Medal of Honor recipient *

Meyers Leonard Meyers Patrick Leonard (born February 27, 1992) is an American former professional basketball player. He played college basketball for the University of Illinois Fighting Illini before being selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 11th o ...

(born 1992), American basketball player * Michael Leonard (disambiguation), several people *

Minnetta Sammis Leonard Minnetta Sammis Leonard (1879 – October 15, 1960) was an American educator, and editor of ''The Home Educator'' (1923), a parenting manual. Early life and education Sammis was born in Indiana, the daughter of David Sturges Sprague Sammis and A ...

(1879 – 1960), American educator * Miriam Leonard (born 1977), British professor of Greek literature *

Patricia Leonard Patricia Leonard (9 March 1936 – 28 January 2010) was an English opera singer, best known for her performances in mezzo-soprano and contralto roles of the Savoy Operas with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company. After working as a secretary, Le ...

(1936–2010), English opera singer * Patrick James Leonard (1847–1899), Medal of Honor recipient *

Patrick Leonard Patrick Ray Leonard (born March 14, 1956) is an American songwriter, keyboardist, film composer, and music producer, best known for his longtime collaboration with Madonna. His work with Madonna includes her albums '' True Blue'' (1986), '' Who ...

(born 1956), American songwriter * Patrick Thomas Leonard (1828–1905), Indian Wars Medal of Honor recipient *

Paul Leonard (politician) Paul R. Leonard (born July 3, 1943) is an American politician who is a member of the Ohio Democratic Party. He served as the mayor of Dayton from 1982 to 1986 and as the 58th lieutenant governor of Ohio from 1987 to 1991. Education Leonard gradu ...

(born 1943), American politician *

Paul Leonard (writer) Paul J. Leonard Hinder, published as Paul Leonard and originally P.J.L. Hinder, is an author best known for his work on various Doctor Who spin-offs, spin-off fiction based on the long-running British science fiction on television, science fictio ...

, UK author * Philippe Léonard (born 1974), soccer *

Priscilla Leonard Emily Perkins Bissell (May 31, 1861 – March 8, 1948) was an American Social work, social worker and activist, best remembered for introducing Christmas Seals to the United States. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, she made a name for herself at a y ...

, pen name for Emily Perkins Bissell, an American social worker and activist *

Ranginui Parewahawaha Leonard Ranginui Parewahawaha Leonard (23 September 1872 – 29 December 1984) was a New Zealand weaver, farmer and kuia (respected elder). At the time of her death in 1984, age 112, she was the oldest woman in New Zealand, and one of the last people ...

(1872–1984), New Zealand weaver, farmer and kuia * Rick Leonard (born 1996), American football *

Robert A. Leonard Robert Andrew Leonard is an American linguist. He is best known for his work in forensic linguistics, which relates to investigating problems of the law by using the study of language. This includes analyzing legal material work such as notes, au ...

, American linguist known for his forensic work and former singer for Sha Na Na *

Robert Maynard Leonard Robert Maynard Leonard (10 May 1869 – 13 July 1941), sometimes credited as R. Maynard Leonard, was an English journalist, editor, and light poet, the editor of many anthologies of English verse. Early life The Leonards were a family of merchants ...

(1869–1941), English journalist and editor *

Robert Sean Leonard Robert Lawrence Leonard (born February 28, 1969), known professionally as Robert Sean Leonard, is an American actor. He is best known for his portrayal of Neil Perry in the drama film ''Dead Poets Society'' (1989) and Dr. James Wilson in the med ...

(born 1969), actor *

Robert Z. Leonard Robert Zigler Leonard (October 7, 1889 – August 27, 1968) was an American film director, actor, producer, and screenwriter. Biography He was born in Chicago, Illinois. At one time, he was married to Silent film, silent star Mae Murray with t ...

(1889–1968), director * Ronald Leonard, cellist * Ryan Leonard (ice hockey) (born 2005), American ice hockey player *

Ralph Leonard Ralph Micheal Leonard also known as Ralph Leonard (born May 9, 1996) is an international British Nigerians, British Nigerian journalist, film critic, author, and commentator. He won the Jom Charity Award and in 2024 he won the Yessiey Awards for ...

, international British Nigerian journalist, film critic, author *

Sarah Leonard (archer) Sarah Henrietta Leonard, mistakenly referred to in some sources as Everett "Eve" Leonard (21 March 1862 – 5 June 1951), was a British archer. She competed at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London London is the Capital city, capital an ...

(1862–1951), archery *

Scott Leonard Charles Scott Leonard IV (born October 11, 1965) is an American singer and a member of the a cappella group Rockapella, the former house band on the PBS children's geography game show ''Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? (game show), Where in ...

(born 1965), American musician *

Shaquille Leonard Darius Shaquille Leonard (born July 27, 1995) is an American professional American football, football linebacker. He played college football for the South Carolina State Bulldogs football, South Carolina State Bulldogs and was selected in the se ...

(born 1995), American football *

Sheldon Leonard Sheldon Leonard Bershad (February 22, 1907 – January 11, 1997) was an American film and television actor, producer, director, and screenwriter. Early life Sheldon Leonard Bershad was born in Manhattan, New York City, the son of middle-class ...

(1907–1997), American film and TV producer * Silvio Leonard (born 1955), Cuban sprinter * Sonny Leonard (1943–2021), American businessman *

Stan Leonard Stan Leonard (February 2, 1915 – December 15, 2005) was a Canadian professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour in the 1950s and 1960s. Leonard won three PGA Tour events, eight Canadian PGA Championships, and 16 other significant events i ...

(1915–2005), Canadian golfer * Stephen B. Leonard (1793–1876), American politician *

Steve Leonard Stephen Leonard (born 4 September 1972 in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland) is a Northern Irish veterinarian and television personality. Early life Leonard's family moved to Cheshire from Northern Ireland when he was six weeks ol ...

(born 1972), English TV personality *

Sugar Ray Leonard Ray Charles Leonard (born May 17, 1956), best known as Sugar Ray Leonard, is an American former professional boxer. Often regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, he competed professionally between 1977 and 1997, winning quintuple c ...

(born 1956), American boxer *

Thomas Arthur Leonard Thomas Arthur Leonard (12 March 1864 – 19 July 1948) was a British social reformer. He was a pioneer in developing organised outdoor holidays for working people through the Co-operative Holidays Association and the Holiday Fellowship. He also ...

(1864–1948), English pioneer of outdoor holidays *

Tom Leonard (Irish politician) Thomas Leonard (30 May 1924 – 5 March 2004) was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician. Biography Leonard was born in Dublin, and worked much of his life in a family business in the Dublin Corporation Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Markets. The bu ...

(1924–2004) *

Tom Leonard (poet) Thomas Anthony Leonard (22 August 1944 – 21 December 2018) was a Scottish poet, writer and critic. He was best known for his poems written in Glaswegian dialect, particularly his ''Six Glasgow Poems'' and ''The Six O'Clock News''. His work ...

(1944–2018), Scottish poet *

Tony Leonard Anthony Leonard (born 19 December 1955) is an Australian radio presenter. Career In 1982, he joined the radio comedy team Coodabeen Champions, who were then on 3RRR. Following them to 3LO and 3AW he stayed with this team until 2002. He be ...

(born 1947), Australian radio presenter *

Turney W. Leonard Turney White Leonard (June 18, 1921 – November 6, 1944) was a United States Army officer who received the U.S. military's highest award, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in World War II. Biography A native of Dallas, Texas, Leonard graduated ...

(1921–1944), Medal of Honor recipient * Vincent Leonard (1908–1994), Bishop of Pittsburgh *

William E. Leonard William E. Leonard (c. 1836–February 8, 1891) was a Private in the Union Army and a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in the American Civil War. He is buried at Jacksonville Cemetery Wind Ridge, Pennsylvania. Medal of Honor citati ...

(1836–1891), American Civil War Medal of Honor recipient *

William Ellery Leonard William Ellery Leonard (January 25, 1876, in Plainfield, New Jersey – May 2, 1944, in Madison, Wisconsin) was an American poet, playwright, translator, and literary scholar. Early life William Ellery Channing Leonard was born on the family ho ...

(1876–1944), American poet *

William J. Leonard William J. "Bill" Leonard (April 27, 1927 – July 20, 2006) was an end for the University of Notre Dame's undefeated football team, which won 1947 the National Championship. Earlier, he had won recognition as an All-City football player at ...

(1927–2006), American football *

William Leonard (Scottish politician) William Leonard (14 February 1887 – 14 October 1969) was a Labour and Co-operative politician in Scotland. He served as the member of parliament for Glasgow St. Rollox from 1931 to 1950. The St. Rollox constituency was abolished for the 195 ...

(1887–1969) * Wrexie Leonard (1867–1937), American astronomer *

Leonard (baseball) Thirty-two individuals who played professional baseball at the major league level before 1900 lack identified given names (there are hundreds of other players of which this is true from the twentieth-century Negro leagues). All 32 played between 18 ...

, first name unknown, played in one Major League Baseball game in 1892

Fictional characters

Anatole Leonard ''Robotech'' is the American adaptation of three Japanese animated series: ''The Super Dimension Fortress Macross'', ''The Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross'', and ''Genesis Climber MOSPEADA'', as a single TV series. The series is divided i ...

, in the ''Robotech'' series *

Leonard (demon) Leonard or Master Leonard is a demon or spirit in the ''Dictionnaire Infernal'', grand-master of the nocturnal orgies of demons. He is represented as a three-horned goat, with a black human face. He marks his initiates with one of his horns. Infe ...

, in the ''Dictionnaire Infernal'' *

Léonard Leonard or ''Leo'' is a common English masculine given name and a surname. The given name and surname originate from the Old High German '' Leonhard'' containing the prefix ''levon'' ("lion") from the Greek Λέων ("lion") through the Latin '' ...

, title character in the Belgian comic of the same name * Leonard, a character from '' Total Drama: Pahkitew Island'' and ''

The Ridonculous Race ''Total Drama Presents: The Ridonculous Race'' (also known as ''Total Drama: The Ridonculous Race'' or simply ''The Ridonculous Race'') is a Canadian animated reality television series which lampoons the conventions commonly found in reality tele ...

'' * Leonard W. "Lennie" Briscoe, a detective in ''Law & Order'' * Private Leonard Church, from ''Red vs. Blue'' *

Leonard Hofstadter Leonard Leakey Hofstadter, Ph.D. is a fictional character portrayed by Johnny Galecki and one of the protagonists in the 2007–2019 CBS sitcom, ''The Big Bang Theory.'' Leonard is an experimental physicist who shares an apartment with his c ...

, in ''The Big Bang Theory'' * Leonard von Lahnstein, character from German soap opera ''Forbidden Love'' *

Lenny Leonard The American animated television series ''The Simpsons'' contains a wide range of minor and supporting characters like co-workers, teachers, students, family friends, extended relatives, townspeople, local celebrities, and even animals. The writ ...

, in ''The Simpsons'' * Lockie Leonard, in children's novels by Tim Winton *

Leonard McCoy Dr. Leonard H. McCoy, known as "Bones", is a character in the American science-fiction franchise ''Star Trek''. McCoy was played by actor DeForest Kelley in the original ''Star Trek'' series from 1966 to 1969, and he also appears in the anima ...

, in the ''Star Trek'' series * King Leonard Mudbeard, a ruler of Piggy Island and antagonist of ''

The Angry Birds Movie ''The Angry Birds Movie'' is a 2016 animated comedy film based on Rovio Entertainment's ''Angry Birds'' franchise, produced by Columbia Pictures and Rovio Animation, and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing. The film was directed by Clay Kay ...

'' * Leonard Rollins, a character in ''

Silver Spoons ''Silver Spoons'' is an American sitcom television series that aired on NBC from September 25, 1982, to May 11, 1986, and in first-run syndication from September 27, 1986, to May 30, 1987. The series was produced by Embassy Television for th ...

'' *

Leonard Shelby Leonard or ''Leo'' is a common English masculine given name and a surname. The given name and surname originate from the Old High German '' Leonhard'' containing the prefix ''levon'' ("lion") from the Greek Λέων ("lion") through the Latin '' ...

, main character in the movie ''Memento'' * Lennie Small, in the novel ''

Of Mice and Men ''Of Mice and Men'' is a 1937 novella written by American author John Steinbeck. It describes the experiences of George Milton and Lennie Small, two displaced migrant worker, migrant ranch workers, as they move from place to place in California ...

'' * Leonard Smith, a character in the American sitcom ''

It's Garry Shandling's Show ''It's Garry Shandling's Show'' is an American television sitcom that originally aired on Showtime from September 10, 1986, to May 25, 1990. The series, created by Garry Shandling and Alan Zweibel, is notable for breaking the fourth wall. I ...

'' *

Leonard Snart Captain Cold (Leonard Snart) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, the character first appeared in '' Showcase'' #8 (June 1957). In his comic book appearances, ...

, Captain Cold from ''The Flash comics'' and TV series * Leonard "Lenny" Summers, a character from ''

Red Dead Redemption 2 ''Red Dead Redemption 2'' is a 2018 action-adventure game developed and published by Rockstar Games. The game is the third entry in the ''Red Dead'' series and a prequel to the 2010 game ''Red Dead Redemption''. The story is set in a fictiona ...

References

{{given name, type=both English-language masculine given names English masculine given names Given names derived from animals Masculine given names English-language surnames