Leonidas
Leonidas is a boys' name of Greek origin meaning “lion-like, son of the lion.” It ranked #510 in the United States in 2025. Leonidas derives from the Greek 'leon' (lion) with a patronymic suffix.
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how do you pronounce Leonidas?
lee-ON-ih-das
where does the name Leonidas come from?
From the Greek leon, lion, with a patronymic ending: son of the lion.
King Leonidas I of Sparta led 300 warriors at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, one of history's most celebrated last stands. The film 300 brought his story to a new generation. The name embodies courage, sacrifice, and indomitable warrior spirit.
how popular is this name?
Leonidas has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 25 years since 1880, and fell outside it for 121. It peaked at #421 in 2022, and ranked #510 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #510 |
| 2024 | #510 |
| 2023 | #476 |
| 2022 | #421 |
| 2021 | #446 |
| 2020 | #457 |
| 2019 | #482 |
| 2018 | #504 |
| 2017 | #498 |
| 2016 | #505 |
| 2010 | #925 |
| 1880 | #909 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Leonidas fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Leonidas
Leonidas was the Spartan king who died holding the pass at Thermopylae in 480 BC.
who are famous people named Leonidas?
- Leonidas I (King of Sparta who fought at Thermopylae)
- Leonidas of Rhodes (ancient Olympic champion)
what are the nicknames and variants of Leonidas?
Nicknames
what names are similar to Leonidas?
what names go well with Leonidas?
Sibling names that share Leonidas's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Leonidas
What does the name Leonidas mean?
Leonidas means “lion-like, son of the lion”.
What is the origin of the name Leonidas?
Leonidas comes from the Greek naming tradition.
How popular is the name Leonidas?
Leonidas ranked #510 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2022, at #421, and it has spent 25 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Leonidas a boy or girl name?
Leonidas is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Leonidas?
Leonidas is pronounced lee-ON-ih-das, with 4 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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