Gideon Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Gideon
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name GIDEON. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Gideon
Gender
Male
Origin
Hebrew
Lucky Number
9
Meaning of the Name
Gideon is a Hebrew masculine name meaning 'mighty warrior' or 'destroyer.' It carries connotations of strength, strategic brilliance, and faithful leadership derived from its prominent biblical origins.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Mars
Positive Nature
Generous, passionate, energetic, and humanitarian.
Negative Traits
Impulsive, impatient, moody, and can be overly emotional.
Lucky Colours
Red, maroon, scarlet.
Lucky Days
Tuesday.
Lucky Stones
Red coral, garnet.
Harmony Numbers
1, 2, 3, 6.
Best Suited Professions
Military, sports, philanthropy, leadership roles.
What People Like About You
Courage, energy, leadership, generosity.
Famous People Named Gideon
Gideon of the Bible
Biblical Judge
Led Israel to victory against the Midianites with only 300 men, demonstrating faith and strategic brilliance
Gideon Mantell
Geologist and Paleontologist
Discovered and identified the first dinosaur fossils, including Iguanodon, pioneering paleontology
Gideon Sundback
Electrical Engineer and Inventor
Perfected the modern zipper design and manufacturing process, revolutionizing clothing and manufacturing
Gideon Tucker
American Politician and Lawyer
New York State Senator and author of famous quote about legislative dangers
Name Variations & International Equivalents
Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.
Cultural & Historical Significance
The name's cultural impact extends beyond religious contexts into legal and social spheres. The 'Gideon Society' (Gideons International), founded in 1899, has distributed hundreds of millions of Bibles worldwide, making the name synonymous with evangelical outreach. In American legal tradition, the landmark Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) established the right to legal counsel for indigent defendants, embedding the name in constitutional law and civil rights history. This dual religious and legal significance gives Gideon unique cultural weight as a name associated with both spiritual faith and secular justice.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Gideon typically exhibit a complex blend of strategic intelligence and quiet strength. They often possess a natural leadership quality that emerges in challenging situations, combined with a thoughtful, analytical approach to problem-solving. Like their biblical namesake, modern Gideons may demonstrate initial hesitation or self-doubt when faced with major decisions, but once committed, they show remarkable determination and resourcefulness. Their leadership style tends to be more collaborative than authoritarian, valuing input from trusted advisors while maintaining final decision-making authority.
Gideons often display a strong moral compass and sense of justice, sometimes taking on causes that others might consider hopeless. They tend to be perceptive judges of character and situations, with an ability to see through superficial appearances to underlying truths. While they can be reserved in social settings, they form deep, loyal relationships with those who earn their trust. Their combination of intellectual depth and practical competence makes them effective in roles requiring both strategic planning and hands-on execution, often excelling in fields like law, engineering, academia, or military leadership. The name suggests someone who thinks before acting, values principle over popularity, and possesses the courage to stand alone when necessary.
Modern Usage & Popularity
Gideon has experienced a notable resurgence in popularity since the early 2000s, particularly in English-speaking countries. After decades of relative obscurity, the name began climbing baby name charts, reaching the top 300 names in the United States by 2020. This revival reflects broader trends favoring biblical names with strong, distinctive sounds and meaningful histories. The name appeals to parents seeking something traditional yet uncommon, with intellectual and heroic connotations. Gideon maintains particular popularity among religious families but has crossed over into secular usage due to its appealing sound and the positive attributes associated with the name. Its usage spans diverse cultural backgrounds, though it remains most common in Christian and Jewish communities. The name's sophisticated yet approachable quality, combined with its rich historical and literary associations, ensures its continued relevance in contemporary naming practices.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Gideon represents the triumph of faith and intelligence over brute force, the power of the underdog, and the concept of 'divine selection' of the seemingly unqualified. The name embodies the paradox of strength through vulnerability and victory through unconventional means. Gideon symbolizes strategic thinking over impulsive action, careful planning over reckless courage. In psychological terms, it represents the journey from self-doubt to self-actualization, the transformation of fear into focused power. The name carries connotations of judicial wisdom, moral clarity, and the courage to stand against overwhelming opposition. It suggests that true strength lies not in numbers or conventional power, but in conviction, cleverness, and the willingness to trust one's unique capabilities. This symbolic richness makes Gideon a name that conveys depth, resilience, and the potential for extraordinary achievement against all odds.