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Gideon vs Ari

Which is more popular?
Gideon is more popular than Ari today: about 993 US babies were given the name Gideon in 2025, compared with 808 named Ari.
GideonAri
Meaning hewer, feller lion
Origin hebrew hebrew
Gender Boy Boy
Pronunciation GID-ee-un AH-ree
Syllables 3 2
First appeared18801958
Peak year2017 (1,161)2022 (1,030)
In 2025993808
TrendRisingRising
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Gideon Ari
18801900192019401960198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeGideonAri
2020s 6,236 5,363
2010s 9,221 7,111
2000s 3,460 3,436
1990s 1,089 1,667
1980s 704 1,267
1970s 402 1,259
1960s 207 467
1950s 160 22
1940s 120 0
1930s 115 0
1920s 226 0
1910s 185 0
1900s 40 0
1890s 24 0
1880s 81 0

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.

What does Ari mean?

From Hebrew ari (also aryeh), 'lion.' A short modern Hebrew name; distinct from the theophoric Ariel ('lion of God'). A concrete noun — its strength associations are connotation, not etymology.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gideon or Ari more popular?

Gideon is more popular than Ari today: about 993 US babies were given the name Gideon in 2025, compared with 808 named Ari.

What is the difference between Gideon and Ari?

Gideon means hewer, feller (hebrew origin), while Ari means lion (hebrew origin).

Which name is older, Gideon or Ari?

In US records, Gideon first appears in 1880 and Ari in 1958, so Gideon has the longer recorded history.