Of Greek origin.
Female form of the masculine name Leon.
From the Greek word “λέων” (leon), meaning “lion”.
By association with the word “lion”, Leona is connected with the masculine name Leonard and feminine Leonarda.
Alternative forms of the name are Leone, Leonie, Leonia, Leola, Leonelle, Leonarda.
Leona was a popular name in the late 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.
It was later almost forgotten and appeared again in the USA popularity lists in 2009. Since then it is climbing up, reaching #598 in 2016.
Masculine forms of the name are Leon, Leo, Leonard, Lenny, Leonardo.
Famous bearers are Leona Lewis, Leona Vaughan, Leona Paraminski, Leona Chin, Leona Mitchell, Leona Cavalli, Leona Naess.
Leona Lewis is a British singer and songwriter.
She became known when she won the X-Factor in 2006.
“A moment like this” her first single was a world record in downloading. It was downloaded 50 thousand times in just 30 minutes.
Her first album “Spirit” became 4th best-selling album of the 2000s.