Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Leonidas
BoyGreek· “son of the lion”
- Meaning
- son of the lion
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- lee-AH-nih-duhs
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #510
- US babies 2025
- 591
- Best rank
- #421 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Leonidas
Leonidas is a Greek name that means “son of the lion”.
Leonidas comes from the Greek leon, "lion," with the ending -idas, meaning "son of" or "descendant of," so it is often translated "son of the lion." Its most famous bearer is Leonidas I, king of Sparta, who led the Greek defense at the Battle of Thermopylae against the Persian army and died there. His stand became a lasting symbol of courage. Leonidas has become more popular recently among families who like strong historical names. It has a powerful, heroic sound, and Leo and Leon are easy nicknames.
Popularity over time
Leonidas 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 23 different years, starting in 1882. Its best national rank was #421 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 760 babies. In 2025, 591 babies were named Leonidas, and it ranked #510 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,408 in 1920, #2,694 in 1950, #3,041 in 1980, #4,707 in 2000, #927 in 2010, and #510 in 2025. Of the 10,281 US boys named Leonidas since records began, 44% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 3,923 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Alijah, Kyson, Tripp, Royce, and Ford.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Leonidas ranked highest in Hawaii, New Mexico, and Colorado.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #197 | 6 |
| New Mexico | #256 | 8 |
| Colorado | #301 | 22 |
| Utah | #339 | 14 |
| Connecticut | #353 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Leonidas is usually pronounced lee-AH-nih-duhs, with four syllables. It has eight letters, starts with L and ends in “-as”.
Middle names for Leonidas
A few middle names that flow with Leonidas: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Leonidas
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Lists that include Leonidas
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leonidas mean?
Leonidas is a Greek name that means “son of the lion”.
What is the origin of the name Leonidas?
Leonidas has Greek roots. Leonidas comes from the Greek leon, "lion," with the ending -idas, meaning "son of" or "descendant of," so it is often translated "son of the lion." Its most famous bearer is Leonidas I, king of Sparta, who led the Greek defense at the Battle of Thermopylae against the Persian army and died there.
Is Leonidas a popular name?
Yes. Leonidas ranked #510 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Leonidas a boy or girl name?
Leonidas is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Leonidas?
Leonidas is usually pronounced lee-AH-nih-duhs. 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