Roar with pride as we celebrate National Leon Day on November 8. Why roar? Because for ages, the name has been associated with the animal that many consider the most powerful in the world, the lion. Granted, it may not be the reason parents name their babies Leon, but it is a beautiful homage to something that holds a lot of strength and power, something you would want for your child. Then there are the French and Greek roots of the name, a great combination of European influences. What more do you need?
History of National Leon Day
Did you know that Leon is also a prevalent historical last name? It’s derived from the Latin ‘legio,’ genitive singular of ‘legionis’ or ‘legion,’ a division of the Roman army. The Spanish city of León was the garrison of the seventh Legion, known as the ‘Legio Gemina,’ in Roman times. The city’s name was changed from Legion to Leon, and it established an unetymological link with the Spanish word for lion, ‘león.’ Then there is the personal name, León, which comes from the Greek word ‘leon,’ which means ‘lion.’ It is also a prominent Greek surname.As we all know, Lions, the king of the jungle, represent power, majesty, and pride in everything from religious emblems to the British coat of arms. And Leo is also an astrological sign for kids born between July 23rd and August 22nd. Whether or not baby Leon is born at this period, he has the fire and might of a roaring lion. That is what makes this name such a powerful addition to any family and why parents who want their child to be honored and celebrated name their children, Leon.Leon peaked in the 1920s, has had a semi-solid run through the years, and is gradually regaining popularity again. Perhaps the most famous namesake is Leon Trotsky, the Russian Marxist revolutionary. Leon Leonwood Bean, inventor of L.L. Bean, singer Leon Eric “Kix” Brooks, and comedian Leon Curtis Frierson all share the name. There have also been fictional characters like Leon in “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “The Simpsons.”
National Leon Day timeline
Club León, a Mexican professional football club, is founded in Guanajuato.
Leon Tim Draisaitl, a German professional ice hockey player, is born in Cologne.
Leon, a professional buoyancy compensator manufacturer for scuba diving in Asia, is established in Wuxi Jiangsu.
A sled dog named Leon is found safe after three months of being lost in the wild.
National Leon Day FAQs
How much is Club León F.C. worth?
The market value analysis on each club’s profile displays all players, the corresponding market value talks, and the number of posts per player. Until we know that number, just think of it as a lot of money.
Is Leon a Biblical name?
The name Leon has become popular among Jewish people as a result of Genesis 49:9, in which Jacob gathers his twelve sons for his final blessing and foretells their separate fortunes. So, in a sense, yes, it is.
Is Leon a popular name?
According to Social Security Administration data, Leon’s popularity has been rising, with the name reaching the top 200 for the first time in 2020. Its peak position was likewise in 2020, at 196.
National Leon Day Activities
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Go and watch a Club León match
The champion of the 1948, 1949, 1952, 1956, and 1992 Primera División de México is a team to behold. Next time you visit Mexico, make sure you go in the soccer season so you can go and support the club. They are great players, the matches are epic, and they are called Club León, which is ideal for honoring National Leon Day.
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Take up scuba diving
Scuba diving is a sport and hobby that has been in practice for years, ever since people became obsessed with what lies hidden beneath the ocean's waters. Of course, scuba diving usually refers to people navigating their way through a reef, but there are more serious practices that involve going down hundreds of meters into the ocean. When you decide to sign up, make sure you get your gear from a Chinese-based company called Leon.
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Write a letter to Leon the dog
The sled dog that went missing for three months was finally found and returned to its owner. Naturally, there have been many outpourings of love and congratulations following his return, so do your part and send a letter to Leon to welcome him back home. Maybe you’ll even get a signed picture as a gift in return for the gesture.
5 Famous Leons You May Not Know
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León Aillaud
From June 22, 1911, to December 12, 1911, Barreiro was an Interim Governor of the Mexican State of Veracruz.
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Leon Berkowitz
An American artist and educator known for his color field paintings, Berkowitz was also the co-founder of the Washington Workshop Center.
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Léon Boëllmann
As a French composer, Boëllmann was known for a small number of compositions for the organ, with ‘Suite gothique’ being his staple.
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Leon Haslam
Haslam, a motorcycle road racer, will be racing in British Superbikes for Lee Hardy Racing.
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Leon McQuay III
McQuay, a former American football player, is the grandson of Leon McQuay, who played for the New York Giants.
Why We Love National Leon Day
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The name is linked to a wonder of the wild
The lion found most prominently in Africa has been lauded as the king of the jungle for centuries since the first explorers discovered its greatness in the wild. Today, the animal is associated with many things, including the name Leon. So, when we celebrate National Leon Day, we’re also honoring lions.
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We can celebrate artists and musicians
From artists like Leon Berkowitz to musicians like Léon Boëllmann, there are many French and Franco-Americans worth celebrating and honoring for their impact on the arts. Leon, a popular name in the French regions, is usually associated with a master of the arts or someone who is incredibly creative.
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There are so many iterations of the name
Whether you are a Leon, Leo, Leonardo, or even a Lenny, all nicknames and full Leons are celebrated on National Leon Day. That inclusion is what we live for and makes us the happiest. Here’s your chance to find a Leon to celebrate on that special day.
National Leon Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 8 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | November 8 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | November 8 | Friday |
| 2025 | November 8 | Saturday |
| 2026 | November 8 | Sunday |
