Find out how popular the first name Legion has been for the last 21 years (from 2003 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Legion by gender

Based on the last 21 years of data, Legion is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 17 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Legion.

The history of the first name Legion

The name Legion has its origins in the Latin word "legio," which was used to refer to a military unit or body of soldiers in ancient Roman times. This name is intrinsically linked to the concept of a group or collective, reflecting the organized nature of Roman legions.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Legion can be found in the Bible's New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Mark. In this account, Jesus encounters a man possessed by many demons, who refer to themselves collectively as "Legion." This biblical reference has contributed to the name's association with multitudes or large numbers.

Throughout history, the name Legion has been borne by notable individuals, albeit relatively few. One such person was Legion of Patara, a Christian priest and martyr who lived in the 3rd century AD. He was executed during the Diocletian persecution for refusing to renounce his faith.

Another historical figure with this name was Legion Theban, a soldier and martyr from the Theban Legion, a legendary unit of Christian soldiers who were said to have been massacred near Saint-Maurice, Switzerland, in the late 3rd century for refusing to make pagan sacrifices.

In the realm of literature, Legion was the name of a character in Robert Browning's 19th-century poem "The Heretic's Tragedy." This fictional character represented the embodiment of religious dissent and rebellion against established beliefs.

One of the more recent individuals to bear the name Legion was Legion Wally Grinduskie, a Native American artist and activist from the Cowlitz tribe, who lived from 1945 to 2008. He was known for his efforts in advocating for the recognition and preservation of Native American culture and traditions.

Despite its historical and literary references, the name Legion has remained relatively uncommon as a given name throughout history. Its strong associations with military units, demonic possession, and multitudes have likely contributed to its limited usage as a personal name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Legion was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Legion, please contact us.

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