Gideon

Boy Name
Origin:hebrew
Pronunciation:/ˈɡɪd.i.ən/

Gideon: a male name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Gid’ ôn > Ghidh’òn” (Biblical Greek: Gedeṓn “Γεδεών”), meaning “hewer, feller of trees, blaster, destroyer, mighty warrior". It derives from the Hebrew word "gid‛ôn > ghidh'òn".

The name Gideon carries a rich history rooted in Hebrew culture. Derived from "gid‛ôn > ghidh'òn", this masculine name embodies the essence of This name derives from the Hebrew “Gid’ ôn > Ghidh’òn” (Biblical Greek: Gedeṓn “Γεδεών”), meaning “hewer, feller of trees, blaster, destroyer, mighty warrior. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Hebrew-speaking communities.

Quick Facts About Gideon

Quick facts about Gideon
OriginHebrew
GenderBoy name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Hebrew “Gid’ ôn > Ghidh’òn” (Biblical Greek: Gedeṓn “Γεδεών”), meaning “hewer, feller of trees, blaster, destroyer, mighty warrior.” Gideon is the son of Joash, from the Abiezrite clan in the tribe of Manasseh. His story is recorded in chapters 6 to 8 of the Book of Judges in the Hebrew Bible. Judges 6–8. He is also named in chapter 11 of the Epistle to the Hebrews as an example of a man of faith. The feast day is celebrated on September 26 in memory of Saint Gideon, judge, and leader of Israel.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

gid‛ôn > ghidh'òn

Other Scripts

Hebrew (גִּדְעוֹן) Russian (Гидеон)

How to Pronounce Gideon

Gideon is pronounced /ˈɡɪd.i.ən/(Hebrew)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Gid-eon
  2. Say it like: "GID-EON"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Gideon enjoys international appeal, used in 10 different linguistic and cultural contexts including english, russian, norwegian, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.

englishrussiannorwegianswedishdanishfinnishgreenlandicdutchgermanhebrew
Frequently Asked Questions About Gideon
What does the name Gideon mean?
Gideon means "This name derives from the Hebrew “Gid’ ôn > Ghidh’òn” (Biblical Greek: Gedeṓn “Γεδεών”), meaning “hewer, feller of trees, blaster, destroyer, mighty warrior.” Gideon is the son of Joash, from the Abiezrite clan in the tribe of Manasseh. His story is recorded in chapters 6 to 8 of the Book of Judges in the Hebrew Bible. Judges 6–8. He is also named in chapter 11 of the Epistle to the Hebrews as an example of a man of faith. The feast day is celebrated on September 26 in memory of Saint Gideon, judge, and leader of Israel.". The name comes from gid‛ôn > ghidh'òn. In its original form, the name derives from Gid‛ôn (גִּדְעוֹן) Gedeṓn (Γεδεών). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Gideon for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Gid’ ôn > Ghidh’òn” (Biblical Greek: Gedeṓn “Γεδεών”), meaning “hewer, feller of trees, blaster, destroyer, mighty warrior.” Gideon is the son of Joash, from the Abiezrite clan in the tribe of Manasseh. His story is recorded in chapters 6 to 8 of the Book of Judges in the Hebrew Bible. Judges 6–8. He is also named in chapter 11 of the Epistle to the Hebrews as an example of a man of faith. The feast day is celebrated on September 26 in memory of Saint Gideon, judge, and leader of Israel." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Gideon's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Gideon?
Gideon is a hebrew name. The name traces back to gid‛ôn > ghidh'òn. The original form Gid‛ôn (גִּדְעוֹן) Gedeṓn (Γεδεών) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Gideon is written as Hebrew (גִּדְעוֹן) Russian (Гидеон). From its hebrew roots, Gideon spread to become common in english, russian, norwegian, swedish and other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Gid’ ôn > Ghidh’òn” (Biblical Greek: Gedeṓn “Γεδεών”), meaning “hewer, feller of trees, blaster, destroyer, mighty warrior.” Gideon is the son of Joash, from the Abiezrite clan in the tribe of Manasseh. His story is recorded in chapters 6 to 8 of the Book of Judges in the Hebrew Bible. Judges 6–8. He is also named in chapter 11 of the Epistle to the Hebrews as an example of a man of faith. The feast day is celebrated on September 26 in memory of Saint Gideon, judge, and leader of Israel." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Gideon a boy or girl name?
Gideon is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In hebrew tradition, Gideon has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Gid’ ôn > Ghidh’òn” (Biblical Greek: Gedeṓn “Γεδεών”), meaning “hewer, feller of trees, blaster, destroyer, mighty warrior.” Gideon is the son of Joash, from the Abiezrite clan in the tribe of Manasseh. His story is recorded in chapters 6 to 8 of the Book of Judges in the Hebrew Bible. Judges 6–8. He is also named in chapter 11 of the Epistle to the Hebrews as an example of a man of faith. The feast day is celebrated on September 26 in memory of Saint Gideon, judge, and leader of Israel." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Gideon?
Gideon is pronounced "/ˈɡɪd.i.ən/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Hebrew (גִּדְעוֹן) Russian (Гидеон), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Gideon is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, russian, norwegian, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Gideon can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root gid‛ôn > ghidh'òn influences how Gideon sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Gideon?
Gideon is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Gideon offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Gideon's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Gid’ ôn > Ghidh’òn” (Biblical Greek: Gedeṓn “Γεδεών”), meaning “hewer, feller of trees, blaster, destroyer, mighty warrior.” Gideon is the son of Joash, from the Abiezrite clan in the tribe of Manasseh. His story is recorded in chapters 6 to 8 of the Book of Judges in the Hebrew Bible. Judges 6–8. He is also named in chapter 11 of the Epistle to the Hebrews as an example of a man of faith. The feast day is celebrated on September 26 in memory of Saint Gideon, judge, and leader of Israel." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Gideon holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Gideon commonly used?
Gideon spans multiple cultures, including english, russian, norwegian, and 7 other traditions. The name originated in hebrew culture and spread as people migrated and cultures exchanged ideas. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Gideon, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Gid’ ôn > Ghidh’òn” (Biblical Greek: Gedeṓn “Γεδεών”), meaning “hewer, feller of trees, blaster, destroyer, mighty warrior.” Gideon is the son of Joash, from the Abiezrite clan in the tribe of Manasseh. His story is recorded in chapters 6 to 8 of the Book of Judges in the Hebrew Bible. Judges 6–8. He is also named in chapter 11 of the Epistle to the Hebrews as an example of a man of faith. The feast day is celebrated on September 26 in memory of Saint Gideon, judge, and leader of Israel." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Gideon into their naming traditions. A child named Gideon will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Gideon is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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