Leto is a name of Greek origin and it means "hidden" or "secret". It is derived from the Greek word "letos", which means hidden or secret. According to Greek mythology, Leto was a Titan goddess who was pregnant with the twins Apollo and Artemis by Zeus. However, she was persecuted by Hera, Zeus' wife, and had to flee to the island of Delos where she gave birth to her twins in secrecy. Therefore, the name Leto is often associated with the idea of concealment or mystery.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Leto. One of them was Leto, a Roman matron who was known for her piety and devotion to the gods. She was also the mother of the poet Ovid. Another famous Leto was Letitia Christian Tyler, the First Lady of the United States from 1841 to 1849 as the wife of President John Tyler.
Today, Leto is still used as a given name for girls and it has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and meanings. It is often associated with creativity, mystery, and individuality. Despite its Greek origins, Leto is not exclusively used in Greece or other Greek-speaking countries. Instead, it can be found in various cultures around the world where parents appreciate its meaning and sound.
The name Leto has seen a varied degree of popularity over the years in the United States, with an overall total of 113 births since 2006. The highest number of births occurred recently, with 16 babies named Leto born in both 2022 and 2023. This indicates that the name has been gaining popularity in recent years.
Prior to this recent increase, the number of births with the name Leto fluctuated annually. From 2006 to 2015, there were fewer than 9 births each year. However, from 2016 onwards, the numbers began to rise steadily, reaching double digits in 2021 with 10 births.
While these statistics show that Leto is not one of the most common names in the United States, its increasing popularity in recent years indicates that it may be gaining favor among parents. It's always exciting to see how trends in naming evolve over time!