Find out how popular the first name Achilles has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Achilles by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Achilles is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 159 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Achilles.

The history of the first name Achilles

The name Achilles is derived from the Greek word "achos", meaning pain or grief. It originates from ancient Greek mythology and literature, dating back to the 8th century BC. The name was borne by the legendary Greek hero Achilles, the central character of Homer's epic poem the Iliad.

Achilles was the son of the mortal Peleus and the nymph Thetis. According to the myth, his mother dipped him in the river Styx as an infant, making him invulnerable everywhere except for his heel, by which she held him. This weakness ultimately led to his demise during the Trojan War when he was struck by an arrow in the heel.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Achilles can be found in Homer's Iliad, which is believed to have been composed around the 8th century BC. The epic poem chronicles the events of the Trojan War and Achilles' pivotal role as the greatest warrior of the Greek army.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Achilles. In the 5th century BC, Achilles of Eretria was an ancient Greek painter renowned for his works depicting the Battle of Issus and the nuptials of Alexander the Great and Roxana. Another Achilles, from the island of Chios, was a renowned philosopher and scientist who lived in the 4th century BC.

During the Renaissance, the name Achilles gained popularity among European nobility. Achilles de Harlay (1536-1616) was a French statesman and the first president of the Parlement of Paris. Achilles Gasser (1592-1647) was a German physician and botanist who made significant contributions to the study of plant taxonomy.

In the 19th century, Achilles Renaud (1805-1881) was a French politician and journalist known for his support of democratic reforms. Achilles Ratti (1857-1939), later known as Pope Pius XI, was an Italian prelate who served as the head of the Catholic Church from 1922 until his death.

These are just a few examples of the many notable figures throughout history who have carried the name Achilles, which has been associated with strength, courage, and heroism due to its mythological origins.

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

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

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