Gideon
Gideon is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning “Mighty warrior, feller of trees”, pronounced GID-ee-on. It ranked #337 in the United States in 2025, given to 993 babies, and peaked at #304 in 2017. Common nicknames: Gid, Gidi.
How popular is Gideon in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Gideon mean, and where does it come from?
Gideon comes from the Hebrew "Gid'on," commonly translated as "mighty warrior" or "one who cuts down," referencing the act of felling trees. In the Hebrew Bible, Gideon was a judge of Israel who led a small army to victory against the Midianites, becoming a symbol of unlikely courage and faith. The name has long been used in Jewish and Christian communities and gained wider popularity through Gideons International, known for distributing Bibles in hotel rooms. Gideon has surged in recent years as part of a broader trend toward strong, biblical boys' names.
How is Gideon used around the world?
Gideon is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Gideon?
Famous People Named Gideon
- Gideon Sundback — Swedish-American inventor of the modern zipper
- Gideon Raff — Israeli screenwriter and creator of "Homeland"
Similar Names to Gideon
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Sibling Name Ideas for Gideon
Looking for names that pair well with Gideon? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Gideon mean?
Gideon is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Mighty warrior, feller of trees." Gideon comes from the Hebrew "Gid'on," commonly translated as "mighty warrior" or "one who cuts down," referencing the act of felling trees. In the Hebrew Bible, Gideon was a judge of Israel who led a small army to victory against the Midianites, becoming a symbol of unlikely courage and faith.
How do you pronounce Gideon?
Gideon is pronounced GID-ee-on. Common variations include Gedeon, Gidon, Gideone.
Is Gideon a boy name?
Yes, Gideon is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Gid, Gidi.