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Levon

Boy Name #1,782 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

An Armenian lion of a name with legendary musical soul

Armenian American English
Vintage Strong Bold Unique Musical

Meaning & Origin

"lion"
Origin: Armenian, from Greek leon
Language: Armenian
"lion-hearted, brave"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek

The Story of Levon

Levon is the Armenian form of Leon, ultimately derived from the Greek 'leon' and Latin 'leo,' both meaning lion. The name has been borne by numerous Armenian kings and catholici (heads of the Armenian church), making it a name of deep royal and religious significance in Armenian history. In the English-speaking world, it was largely unknown until Elton John and Bernie Taupin immortalized it in their 1971 song 'Levon,' which painted a poignant portrait of American small-town life.

Levon remained rare in America until the 21st century, when vintage and distinctive names began appealing to parents seeking alternatives to common choices. The fame of Levon Helm, the legendary drummer and singer of The Band, gave the name cool musical credentials. After decades in obscurity, it began rising in the 2010s as parents discovered its combination of familiar sound and uncommon feel.

In Armenia, Levon (or Léon) is a historic name carried by kings of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, most notably Levon I (1150–1219), who established a dynasty that lasted over a century. It represents noble lineage and resilience — qualities deeply embedded in Armenian cultural identity.

Fun Facts

  • Levon Helm of The Band was named after an Armenian immigrant in their Arkansas hometown, inspiring Elton John's song
  • The Armenian kingdom of Cilicia, ruled by kings named Levon, was a crucial ally of the Crusaders in the Holy Land
  • Elton John's 'Levon' (1971) spent 18 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and is considered one of his finest early songs

Levon in Other Languages

Greek Λέων (Leon)
Latin Leo
French Léon
Italian Leone
Russian Лев (Lev)
Armenian Լևոն (Levon)

Famous People Named Levon

L

Levon Helm

Musician

1940

Drummer, singer, and founding member of The Band, known for his soulful voice on songs like The Weight and Up on Cripple...

Drummer, singer, and founding member of The Band, known for his soulful voice on songs like The Weight and Up on Cripple Creek

L

Levon I of Armenian Cilicia

Royalty

King of Armenian Cilicia (1150–1219), who elevated the kingdom to full monarchy and allied with Crusader states

L

Levon (song character) Fictional

Other

Protagonist of Elton John and Bernie Taupin's 1971 song 'Levon,' a haunting portrait of American tradition and longing

Quick Facts

Gender
Boy
Syllables
2
Popularity Rank
#1,782
Total SSA Count
92
Cultural Origins
Armenian American English
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease
Moderate

Common Nicknames

Lev Von

Pairs Well With

Levon James Levon Michael Levon John Levon Alexander Levon David Levon Ray Levon Blue

Sibling Names

Also a Girl Name

Levon is also used as a girl name, ranked #69866.

View Levon as a girl name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Levon

What does the name Levon mean?
"lion" (from Armenian, from Greek leon). "lion-hearted, brave" (from Greek). Levon is the Armenian form of Leon, ultimately derived from the Greek 'leon' and Latin 'leo,' both meaning lion. The name has been borne by numerous Armenian kings and catholici (heads of the Armenian church), making it a name of deep royal and religious significance in Armenian history. In the English-speaking world, it was largely unknown until Elton John and Bernie Taupin immortalized it in their 1971 song 'Levon,' which painted a poignant portrait of American small-town life.
What is the origin of the name Levon?
Levon has Armenian, from Greek leon, Greek, Armenian, American, and English origins. In Armenian, from Greek leon, it means "lion". In Greek, it means "lion-hearted, brave".
Is Levon a boy or girl name?
Levon is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1782. As a girl name, it is ranked #69866. Levon is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Levon?
Levon is currently ranked #1782 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Levon?
Common nicknames for Levon include Lev and Von.
What are good middle names for Levon?
Popular middle name pairings include Levon James, Levon Michael, Levon John, Levon Alexander, Levon David, Levon Ray, and Levon Blue.
What are good sibling names for Levon?
Names that pair well with Levon as siblings include Arlo, Caspian, Soren, Lydia, Nora, Ezra, and Willa.
How many syllables does Levon have?
Levon has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Levon a common or rare name?
Levon is an uncommon name, ranked #1782 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Levon

Levon is a boy name with Armenian, American, and English origins . The name means "lion" in Armenian, from Greek leon .

Is Levon a boy or girl name? Levon is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,782 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #69,866. Levon is more commonly used as a boy name.

Levon is currently ranked #1,782 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Levon has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Levon include Lev and Von. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

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