Gideon
/ˈɡɪd.i.ən/
Gideon comes from the Hebrew גִּדְעוֹן (Gidʿon), meaning “feller” or “hewer,” derived from the verb gadaʿ meaning “to cut” or “to hew.” The name carries connotations of someone who cuts down obstacles with determination.
In the Old Testament, Gideon is a hero and judge of Israel who led a vastly outnumbered force of just 300 men against the Midianites.
Following divine instruction to reduce his army from 32,000, he defeated the enemy and killed their 2 kings - a story emphasizing faith and resourcefulness over brute military force.
What the name Gideon means
The name was adopted by English-speaking Protestants after the Reformation and became especially popular among the Puritans in the 17th century.
The Gideons International organization, founded in 1899, distributes Bibles to hotels worldwide and is named after the biblical figure.
Gideon has experienced a modern revival in the US. It reached its peak at No. 304 in 2017 and has held steady since. In 2024, it ranked No. 331 with 1,042 births, never straying far from the 300-340 range.
The name appeals to parents seeking a biblical name with a strong, distinctive sound that avoids the ubiquity of choices like Jacob, Noah, or Elijah, which have dominated the top of the charts for years.
Gideon’s 3-syllable structure and firm opening consonant give it presence without heaviness. The name balances Old Testament gravitas with a modern, accessible sound.
In recent fiction, Gideon has appeared in several television series and novels, helping introduce the name to secular audiences who may be unfamiliar with its biblical source.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Gideon
Gideon - similar names
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity