Legion, of Latin origin, is a distinctive and robust male given name that carries historical and cultural significance. It is derived from the Latin word 'legio', meaning 'a legion' which refers to a large Roman military unit comprising about 5,000 soldiers. The name Legion was notably used in early Christianity to refer to the collective spirit of Jesus's followers, as mentioned in the New Testament (Acts 9:1-19). Throughout history, it has been adopted by various cultures and languages, adding layers of interpretation and meaning to its original Roman roots. Today, Legion continues to be a rare yet powerful choice for parents seeking an unusual yet significant name for their child.
The name Legion experienced a significant increase in popularity between 2003 and 2023, with the number of annual births growing from 5 to a peak of 27 before leveling off at around 20 births per year since 2016. The most notable spikes occurred between 2009 and 2011, and again between 2018 and 2021.