Leonidas
From Ancient Greek Λεωνίδᾱς (Leōnídās, “son of Leon / lion”).
Every Leonidas since 1880 — 10,281 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Leonidas
Leonidas is uncommon for boys in the United States, ranked #510 in 2025 with 591 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 10,281 American babies have been named Leonidas. Its peak came in 2022, when 760 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2020s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Leonidas stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Leonidas year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 591 | #510 |
| 2024 | 597 | #510 |
| 2023 | 638 | #476 |
| 2022 | 760 | #421 |
| 2021 | 688 | #446 |
| 2020 | 649 | #457 |
| 2019 | 608 | #482 |
| 2018 | 569 | #504 |
| 2017 | 582 | #498 |
| 2016 | 593 | #505 |
| 2015 | 556 | #518 |
| 2014 | 494 | #559 |
| 2013 | 337 | #704 |
| 2012 | 288 | #788 |
| 2011 | 234 | #888 |
| 2010 | 218 | #927 |
| 2009 | 201 | #986 |
| 2008 | 241 | #880 |
| 2007 | 152 | #1,167 |
| 2006 | 19 | #4,795 |
| 2005 | 27 | #3,581 |
| 2004 | 22 | #4,085 |
| 2003 | 28 | #3,332 |
| 2002 | 13 | #5,599 |
| 2001 | 14 | #5,303 |
| 2000 | 16 | #4,707 |
| 1995 | 10 | #5,748 |
| 1990 | 18 | #3,402 |
| 1985 | 18 | #2,783 |
| 1980 | 15 | #3,041 |
| 1975 | 15 | #2,709 |
| 1970 | 13 | #2,692 |
| 1965 | 6 | #3,757 |
| 1960 | 5 | #4,373 |
| 1955 | 9 | #2,883 |
| 1950 | 9 | #2,694 |
| 1945 | 6 | #3,184 |
| 1940 | 11 | #2,257 |
| 1935 | 8 | #2,842 |
| 1930 | 12 | #2,383 |
| 1925 | 19 | #1,844 |
| 1920 | 28 | #1,408 |
| 1915 | 15 | #1,932 |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | 5 | #1,180 |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | 5 | #1,025 |
| 1880 | 5 | #1,001 |
Famous people named Leonidas
- Leonidas I Politician · -540–-480
- Leonidas II Politician · -315–-235
- Leonidas of Rhodes Politician · -200–-200
- Leonidas Pyrgos Politician · 1871–2000
- Leonidas of Tarentum Writer · -320–-260
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leonidas mean?
From Ancient Greek Λεωνίδᾱς (Leōnídās, “son of Leon / lion”).
How popular is the name Leonidas in 2025?
Leonidas ranked #510 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 591 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Leonidas?
10,281 babies have been named Leonidas in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Leonidas most popular?
Leonidas peaked in 2022, when 760 newborns received the name.
Is Leonidas a boy or girl name?
Leonidas is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Leonidas rising or falling?
Leonidas is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Leonidas?
Well-known people named Leonidas include Leonidas I (politician), Leonidas II (politician), Leonidas of Rhodes (politician).