Leon derived from Greek λεων (leon) meaning "lion". During the Christian era this Greek name was merged with the Latin cognate Leo, with the result that the two forms are used somewhat interchangeably across European languages. In England during the Middle Ages this was a common name among Jews. A famous bearer was Leon Trotsky (1879-1940), a Russian Communist revolutionary.
Saintly namesake: Leone di Bayonne was a 9th-century bishop and martyr. He is one of several saints named Leon. (March 1 · 9th century)
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