Find out how popular the first name Abraxas has been for the last 10 years (from 2013 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Abraxas by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Abraxas is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 14 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Abraxas.

The history of the first name Abraxas

The given name Abraxas has its origins in Gnostic traditions and ancient Greek mysticism. It is believed to have emerged in the 2nd or 3rd century AD, initially appearing in texts and inscriptions related to Gnosticism, a religious movement that blended elements of Christianity, Hellenistic philosophies, and ancient pagan beliefs.

Abraxas is likely derived from the Greek word "Abrasax," which was a mystical word or formula used in Gnostic rituals and incantations. The name is thought to be a combination of the Greek letters alpha and omega, representing the beginning and end, as well as the Greek numbers representing the numerical value 365, symbolizing the days of the year or the cycles of the sun.

In Gnostic beliefs, Abraxas was often depicted as a deity or a powerful supernatural figure, sometimes represented as a creature with a human body, a rooster's head, and snake-like legs. This image was associated with various mystical and astrological ideas, reflecting the syncretism of Gnostic thought.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of Abraxas can be found in the writings of the early Christian theologian Irenaeus, who condemned it as a heretical concept in his work "Against Heresies" written around 180 AD. The name also appears in various Gnostic texts, such as the "Nag Hammadi Library," a collection of ancient manuscripts discovered in Egypt in 1945.

Throughout history, there have been a few notable individuals who bore the name Abraxas:

1. Abraxas (fl. 4th century AD): A Gnostic philosopher and author, sometimes referred to as "Basilides the Gnostic," who lived in Alexandria, Egypt. His teachings and writings contributed to the development of Gnostic thought.

2. Abraxas de Mayerne (1592-1670): A Swiss physician and chemist who served as personal physician to several English monarchs, including James I and Charles I. He made contributions to the fields of medicine and chemistry.

3. Abraxas Studius (fl. 16th century): A German writer and humanist scholar who lived during the Renaissance period. He authored works on classical literature and philosophy.

4. Abraxas Bastardy (1647-1716): A French painter and engraver known for his religious and mythological works, as well as his portraits of notable figures of the time.

5. Abraxas Petri (1652-1728): A Swedish theologian and academic who served as a professor of theology at the University of Uppsala. He wrote extensively on theological subjects and was involved in religious disputes of the time.

While the name Abraxas has its roots in ancient Gnostic traditions, it has been used sporadically throughout history, often by individuals with connections to scholarship, philosophy, or the arts. The name's mystical origins and symbolic associations have likely contributed to its enduring, albeit rare, usage over the centuries.

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 Abraxas was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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