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Leonidas

♂ Boy

Pronounced lee-ON-ih-das /liˈɒnɪdæs/High

Meaning: From Greek Leonidas, derived from leon (lion) + the patronymic suffix -idas meaning 'son of,' thus 'son of the lion' or 'lion-like'; name of the famous Spartan king who held the pass at ThermopylaeHigh

In 30 seconds: Leonidas is a heroic ancient Greek name meaning 'son of the lion.' Borne by the Spartan king who fell at Thermopylae, it carries epic grandeur and warrior honor in four magnificent syllables.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningFrom Greek Leonidas, derived from leon (lion) + the patronymic suffix -idas meaning 'son of,' thus 'son of the lion' or 'lion-like'; name of the famous Spartan king who held the pass at Thermopylae
U.S. rank (2025)#510 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births591 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 10,277

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202218802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Leonidas comes from the Greek leon ('lion') plus the suffix -idas indicating descent — literally 'son of the lion.' The most famous bearer was Leonidas I, King of Sparta, who died defending the pass at Thermopylae against the Persian invasion of 480 BC. His sacrifice was celebrated by the ancient Greeks and has inspired military tradition worldwide.

After centuries of limited use outside Greece, Leonidas gained fresh appeal in the 2000s and 2010s, spurred by the film 300 (2007) depicting the Battle of Thermopylae. American parents drawn to strong, historical, and unmistakable boys' names embraced it. Leo as a nickname makes it more accessible in daily use.

Did you know? King Leonidas I led just 300 Spartan warriors (alongside thousands of Greek allies) against the Persian army of Xerxes at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC — a last stand that became the ultimate symbol of courage against impossible odds.
Overall data confidence 96%
Behind the Name — Leonidas — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LeoLeonLeonard

Nicknames

LeoLeonLenny

Famous Bearers

  • ★Leonidas I of Sparta (540–480 BC)
    Spartan king who led the legendary defense of the pass at Thermopylae against Persia.

If you like Leonidas…

Leonidas
Leo— the short form of the same name, sharing the lion root
Maximus— another grand Latin/Greek name of epic historical resonance
Achilles— fellow ancient Greek heroic name with the same four-syllable grandeur

Frequently Asked

What does the name Leonidas mean?

Leonidas comes from Greek leon (lion) plus the suffix -idas (son of), meaning 'son of the lion.' It was borne by the heroic Spartan king who died at Thermopylae.

How do you pronounce Leonidas?

It is said lee-ON-ih-das — four syllables, with stress on the second.

Is Leonidas a boy or girl name?

Leonidas is used exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Leonidas?

Leonidas has risen in the U.S. since the 2000s, partly due to the film 300, and now ranks in the top 500 boys' names.