Chinese name for Leonardo
Leonardo is usually written 莱昂纳多 (lái áng nà duō) in Chinese. That is a phonetic transliteration: it copies the sound, so Chinese speakers read it as a foreign name. If you want a name that feels native, here are authentic Chinese given names inspired by Leonardo.
Leonardo in Chinese, by sound
莱昂纳多
lái áng nà duō
Fine for writing your English name on a Chinese form. It is not a Chinese given name, and the characters were picked for sound, not meaning.
Authentic Chinese names inspired by Leonardo
Real given-name characters from our curated library. A full Chinese name puts a one-character surname first, for example 林 (Lín) + 锐朗.
Rui means keen and bold, capturing the lion-like courage that Leonardo has carried since its Germanic roots.
About the name Leonardo
Leonardo is the Italian form of the Germanic name Leonard, from leon (lion) and hard (brave, hardy), meaning brave as a lion.
Want one chosen for you, Leonardo?
Add your birth date and we pick the characters that balance your chart, with the meaning and pronunciation of each. Free, in about 30 seconds.
Find my Chinese nameFrequently asked questions
What is Leonardo in Chinese?
The usual phonetic version of Leonardo is 莱昂纳多 (lái áng nà duō). It copies the sound, so Chinese speakers read it as a foreign name. Authentic Chinese given names inspired by Leonardo include 锐朗 (ruì lǎng), 煜磊 (yù lěi).
How do you write Leonardo in Chinese characters?
Phonetically, Leonardo is written 莱昂纳多. A native-feeling Chinese name is different: a surname followed by one or two given characters chosen for meaning, such as 锐朗.
What is a good Chinese name for someone called Leonardo?
Pick characters that real Chinese people are named with and that carry a meaning you like. 锐朗 (ruì lǎng): Rui means keen and bold, capturing the lion-like courage that Leonardo has carried since its Germanic roots. 煜磊 (yù lěi): Yu brings radiant light and Lei brings steady honesty, reflecting the brave, shining lion at the heart of Leonardo.
Why sound-based names fall flat: Chinese name vs. transliteration.