Find out how popular the first name Agape has been for the last 32 years (from 1992 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Agape by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Agape is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 72% of people named Agape being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Agape.

The history of the first name Agape

The name Agape has its origins in Ancient Greek, derived from the word "agapē" which means "love" in the sense of unconditional, self-sacrificing love. It is one of the four Greek words for love, with the others being "eros" (romantic love), "philia" (brotherly love), and "storge" (familial love). Agape was a significant concept in early Christian theology, representing the highest form of love and the unconditional love of God for humanity.

The name Agape is closely associated with Christianity and the teachings of the New Testament. In the First Epistle of John, it is written, "God is love (agape)." The concept of agape love is central to the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing selfless, sacrificial love for others, even one's enemies. Agape was personified as a virtue in ancient Greek philosophy and was later adopted by early Christians as a representation of divine love.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Agape can be found in the ancient Christian text, the "Acts of Paul and Thecla," which dates back to the 2nd century AD. In this text, Thecla is described as a woman who embraced a life of chastity and "agape" (love) for God. The name Agape also appears in various early Christian writings, such as the works of Clement of Alexandria and Origen.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Agape. One of the earliest recorded was Agape of Sicily, a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century AD and was executed for her faith during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Decius. Another early bearer of the name was Agape of Thessalonica, a Christian virgin and martyr who lived in the 3rd century AD and was tortured and executed for refusing to renounce her faith.

In the Byzantine era, there was Agape the Younger, a Christian saint and ascetic who lived in the 7th century AD and was renowned for her piety and devotion to God. During the Middle Ages, Agape of Palermo was a Christian martyr who lived in the 9th century AD and was executed for her faith during the Muslim conquest of Sicily.

In more recent times, Agape Alekova was a Bulgarian revolutionary and feminist who lived from 1861 to 1949 and played a significant role in the struggle for women's rights and national liberation in Bulgaria.

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

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

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