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Home › Baby Names Directory › Leonides

Leonides

♂ Boy

Pronounced lee-AH-nə-deez /liˈɑ.nə.diz/Medium

Meaning: A spelling of Leonidas — from Greek leon, 'lion', plus -idas, 'son of' — 'lion-like; son of the lion'Medium

In 30 seconds: Lion-like: Leonides spells Leonidas — 'lion-like; son of the lion'. Strong, heroic, and warm (said 'lee-AH-nə-deez').
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Origin MediumGreek
MeaningA spelling of Leonidas — from Greek leon, 'lion', plus -idas, 'son of' — 'lion-like; son of the lion'
U.S. rank (2024)#5553 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births17 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2015
Total births (all-time)≈ 682

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202419202024

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Leonides is a spelling of Leonidas — from Greek leon, 'lion', plus the patronymic -idas, 'son of' — 'lion-like; son of the lion'. Borne by the heroic Spartan king Leonidas, who died defending the pass of Thermopylae against Persia with his famous 300 (and by an early saint). A strong, heroic, classic name (popular in Latina families; said 'lee-AH-nə-deez'; nickname Leo).

In the U.S. it appears in Latino and Greek families. Rare, lion-like at the root, and heroic.

Did you know? Leonidas means 'lion-like; son of the lion' (Greek leon, 'lion') — the heroic Spartan king who held Thermopylae with his 300 — Leonides is a spelling, strong and heroic (said 'lee-AH-nə-deez').
Overall data confidence 70%
Behind the Name — Leonidas — root etymology

Variations

LeonidasLeonidisLeonides

Nicknames

Leo

Famous Bearers

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If you like Leonides…

Leonidas— the standard spelling
Leonel— a kin Leon- boys' name
Leon— the Leon root
Leandro— another Leon-/lion boys' name

Explore names like Leonides

By themegreekhistorical
By meaningLion

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Leonides mean?

Leonides spells Leonidas — Greek 'lion-like; son of the lion'.

How do you pronounce Leonides?

It's said lee-AH-nə-deez /liˈɑ.nə.diz/ — four syllables, stress on the second.

Is Leonides a boy or girl name?

Leonides is a boy's name.

How popular is Leonides?

Leonides is a rare name in the U.S.

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