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Gideon vs Reuben

Which is more popular?
Gideon is more popular than Reuben today: about 993 US babies were given the name Gideon in 2025, compared with 269 named Reuben.
GideonReuben
Meaning hewer, feller behold, a son
Origin hebrew hebrew
Gender Boy Boy
Pronunciation GID-ee-un ROO-ben
Syllables 3 2
First appeared18801880
Peak year2017 (1,161)1920 (465)
In 2025993269
TrendRisingSteady
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Gideon Reuben
18801900192019401960198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeGideonReuben
2020s 6,236 1,649
2010s 9,221 2,359
2000s 3,460 2,279
1990s 1,089 2,436
1980s 704 2,759
1970s 402 2,542
1960s 207 2,076
1950s 160 2,193
1940s 120 2,060
1930s 115 2,269
1920s 226 3,860
1910s 185 3,274
1900s 40 820
1890s 24 828
1880s 81 741

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 Reuben mean?

Hebrew Re'uven, literally 'behold, a son!' (re'u 'see, behold' + ben 'son'). Genesis 29:32 layers a second biblical wordplay on it: Leah says 'the LORD has looked upon (ra'ah) my affliction' — that play is theological rather than the strict etymology.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gideon or Reuben more popular?

Gideon is more popular than Reuben today: about 993 US babies were given the name Gideon in 2025, compared with 269 named Reuben.

What is the difference between Gideon and Reuben?

Gideon means hewer, feller (hebrew origin), while Reuben means behold, a son (hebrew origin).

Which name is older, Gideon or Reuben?

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