Rising since 1985, #337 for boys today.
Popularity of Gideon since 1880
Babies named Gideon per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 81 |
| 1890s | 24 |
| 1900s | 40 |
| 1910s | 185 |
| 1920s | 226 |
| 1930s | 115 |
| 1940s | 120 |
| 1950s | 160 |
| 1960s | 207 |
| 1970s | 402 |
| 1980s | 704 |
| 1990s | 1,089 |
| 2000s | 3,460 |
| 2010s | 9,221 |
| 2020s | 6,236 |
Meaning & origin
Gideon is a biblical name with deep roots, backed by real U.S. data showing a rising trajectory since 1985. In 2025, it ranked 337th, with approximately 1 in 1,720 newborn boys receiving the name. Its peak year was 2017, and it has been especially popular in states like Alaska, North Dakota, and Idaho. The name's history as a Puritan choice and its modern revival make it a distinctive yet grounded option.
Gideon is a name of Hebrew origin, appearing in the Old Testament as a judge and military leader who defeated the Midianites. The name may derive from the Hebrew root 'gada' (to cut down) or 'gad' (fortunate). It was used among Puritans in the 17th century and has seen renewed popularity in the United States since the 1980s.
Where Gideon is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Gideon” around the world
Where Gideon lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gid
Variants: Gedeon
Sibling names for Gideon
Names that share Gideon's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Hannah, Abigail, Ella, Leah, Naomi, Hermione, Sari, Loreli, Magdeline, Willamina, Avacyn, Devoiry, Genecis, Grisel, Marabelle, Ruhama, Tanith, Zerah
Brothers: Ethan, Noah, Silas, Isaac, Jonah, Amory, Boaz, Chauncy, Efrem, Naftali, Jorian, Thaddius, Yafet, Zebulun, Bezalel, Dartanion, Keldric, Otniel
Names like Gideon
Names whose popularity has moved with Gideon's over the last 50 years.
