Leonard means "brave lion", derived from the Germanic elements levon "lion" and hard "brave, hardy". This was the name of a 5th-century Frankish saint from Noblac who is the patron of prisoners and horses. The Normans brought this name to England, though it did not become common there until the 19th century.
Saintly namesake: Leonard of Noblac was a 6th-century Frankish hermit known for his compassion toward prisoners and the poor. He is one of several saints named Leonard and is especially venerated in France. (November 6 · 6th century)
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