Origin and Meaning of Leonidas
Meaning & Origin
Lion-like
Origin: Greek - Derived from the Greek words 'leon' meaning 'lion' and 'idas' which is a diminutive suffix meaning 'of' or 'belonging to'.
Interesting Facts
- Leonidas was a king of the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta, famed for his leadership during the Battle of Thermopylae against the Persian army in 480 BC.
- The name is celebrated in Greek culture and has become synonymous with bravery and heroism due to the legendary actions of King Leonidas and his 300 warriors.
- Notable bearers of the name Leonidas include historical figures, including military leaders and various characters in literature and modern media, such as the '300' graphic novel and film.
- The popularity of the name Leonidas has fluctuated, gaining some resurgence in recent years due in part to popular media portrayals of the historical figure.
- Variations of Leonidas include Leon, Leo, and Leandro, with 'Leo' becoming more common in modern usage.