The name of the strict
Athenian lawmaker,
Drako (
c. 621 BC), does come from drakon, "dragon", so it follows that the meaning of his name would be remembered along with his strict laws. Drako's ordinances on
homicide remained active well into the rule of
Solon (6th BC).
And I don't think that Bill Clinton should be mentioned in a
simile with draconian. Try
Pol Pot.