Meaning of name Gideon

The names of some famous persons by the name Gideon (or its variants) are:

Gideon Welles, born on 1 July, a famous politician. Gideon Welles's background: The United States Secretary of the Navy from 1861 to 1869. His buildup of the Navy to successfully execute blockades of Southern ports was a key component of Northern victory of the Civil War. Welles was also instrumental in the Navy's creation of the Medal of Honor.

Gideon Algernon Mantell, born on 3 February, a famous obstetrician. Gideon Algernon Mantell's background: An English obstetrician, geologist and palaeontologist. He is credited with discovering the first fossils identified as originating from a dinosaur, which were teeth belonging to an Iguanodon.

Gideon Sundback, born on 21 April, a famous inventor. Gideon Sundback's background: This Canadian inventor, patented the zip fastener on this day in 1913. At first called a separable fastener - the name zip came later - it was used for tobacco pouches and boots. Nobody thought of using it on clothing and luggage for another 20 years.