Spiridon is a male given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the ancient Greek word "spirit" which means "breath", and "dron" which signifies "man". Therefore, Spiridon can be translated as "breather of life" or "man with spirit".
The name Spiridon has been associated with several historical figures throughout history. Saint Spiridon was an early Christian bishop from Cyprus who is revered by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. According to tradition, he died around 348 AD but was miraculously brought back to life three times before finally passing away for good. His feast day is celebrated on December 12th each year.
Another notable figure named Spiridon was a Greek athlete who won a gold medal in the men's discus throw at the 1906 Intercalated Games held in Athens, Greece. Although these games are not officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee, they were organized as an alternative to the Olympics which had been cancelled that year due to financial issues.
In literature and popular culture, Spiridon has appeared as a character in several works including the Greek novel "The Memoirs of Hadrian" by Marguerite Yourcenar, and the French film "Spiridon" directed by Philippe Venault. The name may also be familiar to fans of classical music, as it is shared by Russian composer Spiridon Delyanov.
Overall, Spiridon is a unique and meaningful name with ancient Greek roots that carries historical significance both within Christianity and in the world of athletics. Despite its rich history, however, it remains relatively uncommon outside of Greece and other Eastern Orthodox countries.
Statistics on the given name Spiridon show a consistent pattern over the years in the United States. Between 1976 and 1981, there were five births each year with this unique moniker. This indicates that Spiridon was a steadily chosen name for newborns during these years. In total, from 1976 to 1981 inclusive, fifteen babies were named Spiridon in the United States.