Leopold (given name)


Leopold is the modern form of the Germanic name Luitbald, composed of two stems, common to Germanic names. The first part is related to Old High German liut meaning "people", the second part is of Germanic origin and means "brave", compare bold. The name has been observed since the 5th century, including by the Frank Gregory of Tours, and the name gradually spread across Western Europe and during the 16th century it became popular in the southern Holy Roman Empire, due to the influence of the Margraves of Austria from the Babenberg dynasty.
Over a dozen Austrian rulers took the name, as did nearly a dozen from other European realms.
Other notable people bearing this name include: