The current name of the gulf appeared at least during the 13th century (in medieval Latin sinus Leonis, mare Leonis) and could come from comparison with a lion: it would simply suggest that this part of the sea is as dangerous as a lion because it has very violent, surprising winds that threaten boats (sailors and fishermen know these dangers very well).
O nome actual do golfo apareceu polo menos no século XIII (en latín sinus Leonis, mare Leonis) e podería compararse cun León : simplemente suxeriría que esta parte do mar é tan perigosa como un león porque ten ventos moi violentos e sorprendentes que ameazan barcos (mariñeiros e pescadores coñecen moi ben estes perigos).