Leonard
Leonard comes from the Germanic "leon" (lion) and "hard" (brave) — meaning "brave lion." Saint Leonard of Noblac was a 6th-century Frankish hermit, the patron saint of prisoners. Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990), the composer of "West Side Story" and one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century, is the most acclaimed bearer. Leonard Cohen (1934-2016), the Canadian singer-poet whose "Hallelujah" became one of the most covered songs in history, gave the name a contemporary charge. The nickname Lenny (as in Lenny Bruce) lightens it considerably. Leonard is a male name of Germanic origin that means "Brave lion". Serious, artistic, and quietly principled. The name sounds historic. Leonards tend to be thoughtful. US peaked #38 in 1918. Now outside top 700. Well-known people named Leonard include Leonard Bernstein (composer), Leonard Cohen (singer), Saint Leonard of Noblac, Leonard (Germanic name). Common variations and related forms of Leonard include Leonardo (Italian), Léonard (French), Len (nickname), Lenny (nickname).