Leo

I’ve worked in childcare for 8 years and I feel like Leo was a very popular name 3/4 years ago. It’s less common now in my opinion. If you both love the name and it has sentimental meaning behind it, I would 100% go for it regardless. You might regret it later down the line if you don’t xx

I saw an informative video from a name consultant that was saying even "common" names might not be so common in your specific region! So that's something to consider. For instance, I live in the PNW and I feel popular kid names up here are different than say, in the south. But also if you love a name, and it has meaning to you, you should use it regardless. 💕

I loved Leo but felt when I had my son 2 years ago it was very popular so we decided on Leon instead which I also love. Just go for a name you both love. Xx

It’s very common where I live. There are several names me and hubby love that we’ve had to cross off the list due to how popular they are

Use the name you love. As someone with a very common name who met many other kids with it growing up I’m sure he’ll somehow manage to survive encountering another Leo.

All great input many thanks!

I don’t think I’ve met or know anyone with the name Leo but it’s not a bad name. We’re having another boy with this pregnancy (baby #2) and we’re naming him Leonardo (husband’s pick).

It's a family name on my dad's side but it's French so spelled Léo and pronounced Lay O

I've not met a Leo. Years ago, 2 of my work colleagues has grandsons called Leo born weeks apart but they are teenagers now. My son is Noah, which is apparently top boy name but until 3 weeks ago there was never any other one in any groups we've attended, so if you like the name go for it

Leon

We have an Oscar who's 4 and I was told it was super popular but actually it's more bumping into older boys/dogs with that name. I think I was late to the party. If you love it and it has family meaning it doesn't matter. It a gorgeous name! :) x

I have a 10 month old Leo ☺️ we didn’t realise how popular it was at the time and have heard of SO many since having him. I even considered swapping his first and middle name around at one point but we have a special attachment to the name Leo and after seeking advice from some lovely people on here and Mumsnet, I realised that there’s no other name for him and it’s better to give him a lovely, well known name than something crazy that he might hate or get picked on for. If he decides that he doesn’t like being one of a few Leo’s when he’s older, he can go by his middle name, but it was the name we fell in love with and it was made for him 🥰

@Sarah was it you who said to me about how you were quite shy growing up and when you started school and there were a few other Sarah’s it gave you some common ground and you felt like you were part of a special club? 🥰 that was the most impactful comment I read when worrying about my Leo and made me happy with my choice! X

@Jessica that makes me so happy to hear! I still have a few Sarah’s from school I keep in touch with, it really was the basis of a lot of friendships. And I’m so glad you stuck with the name! Personally I love Leo, I think it’s really sweet and the sort of name that ages really will from a baby to an adult. It’s just honestly such a nice name.

I've known 4 Leo's in 16+ years in childcare. 1 was Leo the other 3 where Leonardo's. 2 were at 1 centre I worked at, 1 was in the preschool room, the other was the newborn brother of one of the girls in the toddler room. The other 2 are from my most recent centre, 1 graduated last year, the other is 3. So 4 Leo's across 4 different age groups. I personally love the name. It has sentimental value to me, too. If you love it, use it ♥️