Origin: |
Gideon is a Biblical name which was most famously borne by a judge in the Old Testament. The name is derived from the Hebrew gada "to hew down/off, to cut asunder," which has been interpreted in a number of ways. It was once interpreted as meaning "having a stump (for a hand/foot)" while others take the meaning "he who fells" and extend it to "mighty warrior" or "destroyer." The name is (perhaps not coincidentally) very fitting for the character of Gideon in the Old Testament, who was chosen by God to destroy the Israelite's altar to Baal and led a troop of 300 men to victory against an invading army. |
Famous Bearers: |
History: * Gideon Mantell (1790-1852), English geologist. Contemporary: * Gideon Emery (b.1972), British actor. Literature and Other Media: * George Gideon, a fictional detective in novels, film and television created by John Creasey. |
Variants: |
Gedeon (Biblical Latin, Biblical Greek) Gédéon (French) |
Pronunciation: |
GID-ee-ən [key] |
Possible diminutives: |
Gid, Gids, Gij, Gido |
Sibling Names: |
Carmen Sarai Dinah Keziah Helena Rosa |
Name Lists: |
Funky-Clunky Upright Elegance Quirky Biblical Disney Names Tennyson Names |
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Thanks to Michelle for requesting Gideon.