Leonidas
Leonidas is a boy name of Greek origin meaning “Lion-like”, pronounced lee-ON-ih-dus. It ranked #510 in the United States in 2025, given to 591 babies, and peaked at #421 in 2022. Common nicknames: Leo, Leon, Lenny.
How popular is Leonidas 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 Leonidas mean, and where does it come from?
Leonidas is a heroic Greek name from "leon," meaning "lion," and so is understood as "lion-like" or "son of the lion." It belonged to the legendary Spartan king who made his last stand with 300 warriors at Thermopylae, making the name a byword for courage and defiance. Grand and commanding, it comes with the wonderfully usable nickname Leo, letting it swing from mighty to friendly in a heartbeat. Leonidas fits the taste for strong classical names like Maximus, Atlas, and Alexander. For parents who want a name with epic weight, a warrior's spirit, and an easy short form, Leonidas roars.
How is Leonidas used around the world?
Leonidas is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants. From the Greek "leon" (lion), meaning "lion-like"; borne by the Spartan king Leonidas..
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Leonidas?
Famous People Named Leonidas
- Leonidas I — king of Sparta who died at the Battle of Thermopylae
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Sibling Name Ideas for Leonidas
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Leonidas mean?
Leonidas is a boy name of Greek origin meaning "Lion-like." Leonidas is a heroic Greek name from "leon," meaning "lion," and so is understood as "lion-like" or "son of the lion." It belonged to the legendary Spartan king who made his last stand with 300 warriors at Thermopylae, making the name a byword for courage and defiance.
How do you pronounce Leonidas?
Leonidas is pronounced lee-ON-ih-dus. Common variations include Leonida, Leonidis.
Is Leonidas a boy name?
Yes, Leonidas is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Leo, Leon, Lenny.