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Leonides

Boy name · Mexican

Meaninglion-like · Greek

Leonides is a Mexican boy name meaning “lion-like”, with Greek roots. Greek names often reach back to myth, philosophy and the early Church, so they come with a lot of history. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds crisp and confident, it's a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length.

Did you know?

  • Hidden namesLook closely: Leonides has the name Leon hiding inside it.
  • GenerationLeonides peaked in 1942, which makes it a Silent Generation name, think grandparents and great-grandparents. The typical Leonides you'd meet today is about 83 years old. Now it's back in style, so there's a whole new generation of baby Leonidess too.
  • Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Leonides would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 156,250 baby boys got the name in 2025.
  • HistoryLeonides first shows up in US birth records in 1919, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 106 years since.
Baby in light blue pajamas asleep
hello, little Leonides

US births per million boys, 1920–2025

05101920196020002025

Similar names

Boy name: LeoBoy name: LeonardoBoy name: LeonBoy name: LeonelBoy name: LeonidasUnisex name: Rhodes
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).

About the name Leonides

Leonides is a boy name of Mexican origin meaning “lion-like”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the consonant at the end gives it a confident finish. It was most fashionable in the 1940s, which gives it a vintage, grandparent-chic charm. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.

Origin:Mexican names

More Mexican boy names

Questions about the name Leonides

What does the name Leonides mean?

Leonides means “lion-like” and comes from Greek. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Leo (“lion”), Leonardo (“brave as a lion”), Leon (“lion”) and Leonel (“little lion”).

What is the origin of the name Leonides?

Leonides is Mexican in origin, and its meaning traces back to Greek. Other Mexican names to consider are Liam (“resolute protector”), Oliver (“olive tree”), Mateo (“gift of God”) and Lucas (“man from Lucania”).

Is Leonides a boy or girl name?

Leonides is a boy name. In 2025, 11 US boys were named Leonides.

How popular is the name Leonides?

Leonides ranked #7,194 for US boys in 2025, given to 11 babies. Its best year was 1942, when it reached #2,268. Over the last five years it has slipped 160 places.

What names are similar to Leonides?

If you like Leonides, you might also like Leo, Leonardo, Leon and Leonel.

What should I know before naming my baby Leonides?

Leonides is a Mexican boy name meaning “lion-like”, with Greek roots. Greek names often reach back to myth, philosophy and the early Church, so they come with a lot of history. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds crisp and confident, it's a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.