Gideon is a name of Hebrew origin that means "destroyer" or "hewer". It is derived from the Hebrew word "gadya", which means "to hew" or "to break in pieces". The name Gideon has significant historical and biblical ties, making it a meaningful choice for parents looking for a unique and substantial name for their child.
In the Old Testament of the Bible, Gideon is the name of a hero and judge who delivered Israel from the Midianites. He was originally named Jerubbaal but was renamed Gideon by an angel who appeared to him in a vision. The angel told Gideon that he would be the father of a son whose name would reflect God's victory over his enemies, and thus the name Gideon became associated with strength, courage, and divine intervention.
Throughout history, the name Gideon has been used by notable figures, including several kings and nobles in Europe. In medieval England, there was a family named Gideon who were prominent landowners and had holdings in various parts of the country. The Gideon surname is still found today in many countries around the world, reflecting its longstanding use throughout history.
Today, Gideon remains a popular choice for parents looking for a strong, unique name with deep historical roots. While it may not be as common as some other names, its biblical and historical significance makes it an attractive option for those seeking a meaningful name for their child. Overall, the name Gideon is a powerful and distinctive choice that reflects its rich history and significant meaning.
The name Gideon has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1880 and 1950, the number of babies named Gideon remained relatively low, with fewer than 20 births per year on average. However, beginning in the 1950s, there was a notable uptick in the use of this name.
From 1950 to 1970, the number of births with the name Gideon doubled from an average of 17 births per year to an average of 36 births per year. This trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with an average of over 90 births per year during these decades.
In the early 2000s, there was a significant surge in the popularity of the name Gideon. Between 2000 and 2023, the number of babies named Gideon increased by nearly tenfold, from 180 births in 2000 to over 1,000 births per year in recent years. In fact, according to the latest data available, there were 1,034 babies named Gideon in 2022 alone.
Overall, the name Gideon has experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity over the past several decades. While it was once a relatively uncommon name, it is now among the most popular boy's names in the United States. As of 2022, there have been a total of 20,176 babies named Gideon born in the United States since 1880. This trend suggests that the name Gideon will continue to be a popular choice for parents in the coming years.