Leona

Leona is a feminine given name of Latin origin, meaning "lioness." It derives from the masculine Leo and the feminine suffix -na, and is related to Leone, León, Leonie, and Leonore. The name is used in English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese-speaking communities and has been adopted in various cultures with similar pronunciations.

In contemporary usage, Leona appears in many English-speaking countries and in parts of Latin America and Southern Europe. It is often chosen for its straightforward pronunciation and classical roots. Notable people with the name include Leona Helmsley, the American hotel operator and philanthropist; Leona Lewis, a British singer who rose to fame after winning The X Factor in 2006; Leona Naess, an American singer-songwriter; and Leona Mitchell, an American operatic soprano. In fiction, Leona is the name of a champion in the video game League of Legends, known as Leona, the Radiant Dawn, a sun-wielding tank and support.

The name Leona remains in use today and has several international spellings and variants, reflecting its broad linguistic reach and timeless association with the lion-like imagery of its etymology.