Leona is a female given name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "leo," which means "lion." The name is often interpreted as meaning "lioness" or "strong as a lion."
The name Leona has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Leona Helmsley, an American businesswoman known for her luxurious lifestyle and ruthless business tactics. She earned the nickname "The Queen of Mean" due to her demanding personality.
Another well-known figure bearing the name Leona is Leona Lewis, a British singer-songwriter who rose to fame after winning the television talent show The X Factor in 2006. Her powerful voice has earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career.
In literature, Leona appears as a character in several works. In Thomas Mann's novel "The Magic Mountain," Leona is a wealthy Russian woman who becomes a patient at a tuberculosis sanatorium. The name also appears in the French novel "Le Grand Meaulnes" by Alain-Fournier, although it is not one of the main characters.
Overall, the name Leona carries a strong and powerful connotation due to its association with the lion and the notable figures who have borne the name throughout history. Despite its Italian origins, the name has been adopted by many cultures around the world and continues to be popular today.
The given statistics show the annual number of babies named Leona born in the United States between 1901 and 1942. During this period, there were a total of 294 girls named Leona born across the country.
Interestingly, the name Leona gained popularity during the early 20th century, with the highest number of births occurring in 1927 when 13 babies were named Leona. This trend continued into the late 1920s and early 1930s, with the annual births ranging between 8 to 12 each year.
However, there was a noticeable decline in the popularity of the name Leona after the mid-1930s, with the number of births dropping to single digits annually. This trend continued until 1942 when 12 babies were named Leona.
It is worth noting that the data provided does not include information on the total population during these years, which could have influenced the popularity of the name Leona. Additionally, it is essential to consider that naming trends can vary greatly depending on cultural and regional factors.
In conclusion, while the name Leona experienced some periods of popularity in the early 20th century, its overall usage as a baby girl's name has been relatively modest throughout history.