Gideon
Gideon first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2017, when 1,161 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 993.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Gideon popular?
Rising Gideon has climbed over the past decade, given to more boys now than ten years ago.
| 2020s | 6,236 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 9,221 | |
| 2000s | 3,460 | |
| 1990s | 1,089 | |
| 1980s | 704 | |
| 1970s | 402 | |
| 1960s | 207 | |
| 1950s | 160 | |
| 1940s | 120 | |
| 1930s | 115 | |
| 1920s | 226 | |
| 1910s | 185 | |
| 1900s | 40 | |
| 1890s | 24 | |
| 1880s | 81 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Gideon mean?
From the Hebrew verb gada, 'to hew down, cut off,' hence 'hewer' or 'feller' — fitting the judge who cut down Baal's altar (Judges 6). The common 'mighty warrior' gloss is a secondary association from his role, not the meaning of the root; because no noun is formed from the verb, the exact nuance stays somewhat uncertain.
Names like Gideon
hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Gideon
Popular hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Gideon
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Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gideon mean?
Gideon means hewer, feller. From the Hebrew verb gada, 'to hew down, cut off,' hence 'hewer' or 'feller' — fitting the judge who cut down Baal's altar (Judges 6). The common 'mighty warrior' gloss is a secondary association from his role, not the meaning of the root; because no noun is formed from the verb, the exact nuance stays somewhat uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Gideon?
Gideon is of hebrew origin.
How do you pronounce Gideon?
Gideon is pronounced “GID-ee-un.”
Is Gideon a boy or a girl name?
Gideon is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Gideon a popular name right now?
Gideon has climbed over the past decade, given to more boys now than ten years ago.
How popular is the name Gideon?
In 2025, Gideon ranked #337 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Gideon most popular?
Gideon was most popular in 2017, when about 1,161 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Gideon?
Names similar to Gideon include Ari, Simon, Amos, Reuben, Boaz.
What names go well with Gideon?
hebrew names that pair well with Gideon include James, Michael, John, David, Mary.