Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Gideon
BoyHebrew· “one who cuts down”
- Meaning
- one who cuts down
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- GIH-dee-uhn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #337
- US babies 2025
- 993
- Best rank
- #304 (2017)
- Peak year
- 2017
Meaning and origin of Gideon
Gideon is a Hebrew name that means “one who cuts down”.
Gideon comes from the Hebrew Gidon, generally explained as one who cuts down or hewer. In the Book of Judges, Gideon is a military leader who defeats a much larger army of Midianites with only three hundred men. The Puritans in England and colonial America used the name, and the Gideons, an organization that places Bibles in hotel rooms, took their name from him. Gideon has become fashionable again in the United States, admired for its strong sound and old-fashioned dignity. Gid and Gideon both feel solid, and Deon is an occasional nickname.
Popularity over time
Gideon has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 41 different years. Its best national rank was #304 in 2017, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,161 babies. In 2025, 993 babies were named Gideon, and it ranked #337 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,399 in 1920, #1,841 in 1950, #992 in 1980, #876 in 2000, #460 in 2010, and #337 in 2025. Of the 22,270 US boys named Gideon since records began, 41% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 6,236 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Orion, Kane, Major, Karson, and Jaxton.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Gideon ranked highest in Alaska, North Dakota, and Indiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | #121 | 7 |
| North Dakota | #181 | 7 |
| Indiana | #182 | 47 |
| Missouri | #186 | 39 |
| Wisconsin | #195 | 32 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Gideon is usually pronounced GIH-dee-uhn, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with G and ends in “-on”.
Middle names for Gideon
A few middle names that flow with Gideon: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Gideon
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Lists that include Gideon
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gideon mean?
Gideon is a Hebrew name that means “one who cuts down”.
What is the origin of the name Gideon?
Gideon has Hebrew roots. Gideon comes from the Hebrew Gidon, generally explained as one who cuts down or hewer.
Is Gideon a popular name?
Yes. Gideon ranked #337 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Gideon a boy or girl name?
Gideon is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Gideon?
Gideon is usually pronounced GIH-dee-uhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings