‘Leo’ Messi Is Winning… at the Baby Name Game in Florida

August 4, 2025

Messi Mania isn’t just lighting up the pitch — it’s hitting Florida birth certificates too. A new survey by Gambling ‘N Go found that Leo (yes, as in Lionel Messi) is the most popular athlete-inspired baby name in the Sunshine State.

The study asked 3,115 couples across the U.S. which sports stars they’d name a future child after, and Floridians said Leowas their top pick. Not exactly shocking — since Messi’s 2023 move to Inter Miami basically turned the MLS into a global headline. With his record-breaking career and “soccer god” status, parents are apparently hoping a little of that magic rubs off.

“Messi’s turned Miami into his personal playground – naming a kid Leo feels like bottling that magic,” the report explained.

Following Messi on Florida’s baby-name leaderboard:
2️⃣ Trevor — after Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence
3️⃣ Anthony — for Colts QB (and former Florida Gators star) Anthony Richardson
4️⃣ Tyreek — for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill

The survey says Lawrence and Richardson pull on that Florida football pride, while Tyreek’s speed is giving parents big “future MVP” energy.

Nationwide, other sports stars topping baby name lists include Jalen (Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles) in Alabama, Nikola(Jokić, Denver Nuggets) in Colorado, Simone (Biles) in Texas, and Caitlin (Clark, Indiana Fever) in Iowa.

Moral of the story? Forget baby showers — Florida’s out here throwing baby signing ceremonies.

Written by: MJ Eccles