Leonidas - boys name

Leonidas name popularity, meaning and origin

Name Popularity: 91%

Leonidas name meaning:

The name Leonidas is of Greek origin and holds significant historical and mythological importance. It is composed of two parts: "leo," meaning "lion," and "nidas," meaning "son." Thus, the name Leonidas can be interpreted as "son of the lion" or "lion's son."

In ancient Greece, Leonidas was a renowned name associated with bravery, strength, and leadership. The most famous bearer of this name was King Leonidas I of Sparta, who led the Spartan forces at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE against the Persians. He and his 300 Spartan warriors fought valiantly, sacrificing their lives to defend their homeland and making Leonidas synonymous with courage and heroism.

The name Leonidas also has connections to Greek mythology, as it is believed to be derived from the lion-headed monster, the Nemean Lion, that Hercules (Heracles) defeated as one of his Twelve Labours. This mythological connection adds a sense of power and ferocity to the name.

Overall, the name Leonidas carries a strong and heroic connotation, representing qualities such as bravery, leadership, and a fierce spirit, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a name with historical significance and a touch of mythological allure for their sons.

Origin: Latin

Lion.

Categories

Saints names

Other boys names beginning with L

Statistics

Overall UK ranking: 431 out of 4789

97 recorded births last year

Change in rank

  • 10yrs

    421
  • 5yrs

    154
  • 1yr

    17

    Regional popularity

    Ranking for this name in various UK regions

  • Scotland (401)

Historical popularity of Leonidas

The graph below shows the popularity of the boys's name Leonidas from all the UK baby name statistics available. It's a quick easy way to see the trend for Leonidas in 2024