Shem
The Israeli Names Portal

לאו


Meaning of the name לאו

Leo is a name with a distinctive international character, combining different cultural traditions and rich meanings. The name originates from Latin, where it derives from the word 'leo' meaning lion, a symbol of strength, courage, and royalty in the animal kingdom. In Roman and European tradition, the lion is considered the king of beasts, and therefore the name Leo carries connotations of leadership, bravery, and inner strength. The name spread throughout Europe primarily due to the popularity of several Christian saints who bore the name Leo, including thirteen popes who adopted this name, which gave it a status of honor and deep religious tradition. In Hebrew culture, the name Leo has gained increasing popularity in recent years, especially among families seeking a short, strong name with an international sound. The name is particularly suitable for families who wish to maintain a connection with Western culture while preserving Hebrew identity. In Hebrew, the name is written with only three letters - Lamed, Alef, and Vav - making it exceptionally short and concise. The sharp and clear sound of the name makes it easy to pronounce in many languages, and it sounds almost identical in all European languages, giving it a distinctly cosmopolitan character. The name expresses parents' aspiration to raise a child with a strong character, self-confident and with an impressive presence. Symbolically, the lion represents in many cultures not only physical strength but also spiritual and mental power. In Jewish culture, the lion appears as a highly important symbol - it is one of the symbols of the tribe of Judah, and the expression 'Lion of Judah' refers to the Davidic monarchy. In rabbinical literature it is stated 'Judah is a lion's cub' (Genesis 49:9), and the lion symbol has accompanied the Jewish people throughout history. Therefore, although the name Leo came from Western culture, it naturally connects to Jewish tradition through the symbolism of the lion. Bearers of the name Leo are typically perceived as people with dominant personalities, natural charisma, and leadership ability. They tend to be courageous, determined, and highly self-confident, traits associated with the lion symbol that the name represents.

The name לאו with vowels

לֵאוֹ

The name לאו in English

Leo | Leon

Is the name לאו considered international

No

Origin of the name לאו from the Bible

Genesis 49:9 - Judah is a lion's cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He crouches, he lies down as a lion, and as a lioness; who dares rouse him?

Origin of the name לאו from Kabbalah

In Kabbalah, the lion symbolizes the attribute of strength and spiritual power. The name Leo represents the soul's inner strength to overcome obstacles and lead in the path of truth. The lion is connected to the Sefirah of Gevurah and the power of self-discipline.

Gematria value for the name לאו

37

=

30

ל

+

1

א

+

6

ו

Numerology value for the name לאו

1

=

30

ל

+

1

א

+

6

ו

=

37

=

3

+

7

=

10

=

1

+

0

=

1

Famous people named לאו

Leonardo da Vinci (artist and scientist) | Leo Tolstoy (Russian writer) | Leonardo DiCaprio (actor) | Lionel Messi (footballer)

Names similar to לאו

Total times the name לאו was registered

348 times

Graph of the name לאו

* Source: Central Bureau of Statistics. As of April 2022

לאו — Name Meaning | שֵׁם