Leonidas
How to say it: lee-oh-NYE-dus · /ˌlioʊˈnaɪdəs/
From Greek 'leon' meaning 'lion', with a patronymic suffix; meaning 'lion-like'. Famously the Spartan king at Thermopylae.
Leonidas was the 503rd most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 591 babies (Social Security Administration). The 2020s are its busiest decade so far, its births are up about 6% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #499 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #503 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 591 |
| Share of births | 1 in 5,609 |
| Peak decade | 2020s |
| Change over 10 years | +6% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #499 |
| In France, 2025 | #1,664 among boys’ names, 10 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Climbing steadily, Leonidas found its best years in the 2020s. At its peak now, it appears ready to rise again in the next few years.
What goes with it
Four rolling syllables blend softness with breathy strength fit for royalty. Leo offers a short form, and Alexander echoes its grandeur.
Parents who love Leonidas also love
Nicknames
- Leo
- Leon
- Leonid
Honouring a Leonidas in the family
- Leopet form
- Leonpet form
- Leonidpet form
- Levequivalent
- Leonidacross_gender
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Leonidas is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish.
In France: #1,664 for boys in 2025.
England and Wales: #458.
Famous people named Leonidas
- Leonidas I (?–479 BC)King of Sparta from c. 489 BC to 480 BC
- Leonidas Stergiou (born 2002)Swiss association football player
- Leonidas Kavakos (born 1967)Greek violinist and conductor
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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