Boy · 500th of 23,106
Leonidas
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
9,686
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2022
Peak Popularity Year
758
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Leonidas stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Leonidas is a name of Greek origin meaning 'lion-like,' derived from the words for 'lion' and a suffix indicating lineage. It evolved from Ancient Greek through Latin to modern usage. The name is often associated with traits of strength and bravery, particularly due to its historical connection with King Leonidas of Sparta. There is no direct biblical relevance. The name has maintained its popularity over the centuries, especially in contexts related to valor and leadership.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/liˈɒnɪdəs/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Leonidas derives from the Greek elements 'leon,' meaning 'lion,' and 'idas,' which is a suffix denoting descent or lineage. Therefore, it can be interpreted as 'son of the lion' or 'like a lion.'
Meaning
Lion-like
Language Evolution
Λεωνίδας (Leōnidas) - Ancient Greek, Leonides - Latin, Leonidas - Modern Greek and English
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in ancient Greece, notably due to King Leonidas I of Sparta, who is famous for his role in the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. Its use continued through history, especially in connection with military valor.
Variants & Derivatives
Leonid, Leon, Leo, Leona, Leonie
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Leonidas is often associated with strength, bravery, and leadership, primarily due to its historical connections. It is viewed positively and has a classic yet powerful image.
Famous People
Leonidas I - King of Sparta, Leonidas Polk - American Confederate general, Leonidas Kestekides - Greek-American businessman and philanthropist
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 758 peak births in 2022
Geographic Spread
Popular across 43 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 2 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 7 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1861st of 7545 | 282 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2414th of 6773 | 180 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2763rd of 7552 | 168 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2777th of 10718 | 206 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3746th of 16616 | 222 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1494th of 24088 | 1,513 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 500th of 23106 | 7,067 |