Find out how popular the first name Akilles has been for the last 18 years (from 2005 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Akilles by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Akilles is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Akilles.

The history of the first name Akilles

The name Akilles is derived from the ancient Greek name Achilleus, which is itself a combination of the Greek words "achos" meaning pain or grief, and "laos" meaning people. The name is most famously associated with the legendary Greek hero Achilles from Homer's Iliad, the ancient epic poem set during the Trojan War, estimated to have been composed around the 8th century BC.

Achilles was a central character in the Iliad, portrayed as the greatest warrior of the Achaeans or Greeks. The name Achilles has its roots in Greek mythology and is believed to have been given to him due to the immense grief and pain his actions caused to the Trojans during the war.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Achilles can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who lived in the 5th century BC. He mentioned an individual named Achilles who fought alongside the Persians during the Greco-Persian Wars.

In the 4th century BC, the Macedonian general and later king, Alexander the Great, named one of his closest friends and companions Achilles. This friend was known for his bravery and loyalty during Alexander's military campaigns.

During the Roman era, the name Achilles was occasionally used, with one notable example being Achilles Tatius, a Greek novelist and philosopher who lived in the 2nd or 3rd century AD and wrote the novel Leucippe and Clitophon.

In the Middle Ages, the name Achilles appeared in various literary works and was used by a few notable figures, such as Achilles of Constantinople, a Byzantine philosopher and theologian who lived in the 7th century AD.

During the Renaissance period, the name gained popularity due to the renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman literature. One famous bearer of the name was Achilles Statius, an Italian humanist scholar and poet who lived in the 15th century.

Throughout history, the name Akilles or Achilles has been associated with bravery, strength, and heroism, often given to individuals who displayed these qualities. While the exact origin and meaning may have evolved over time, the name continues to carry a sense of admiration and respect for its legendary Greek roots.

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

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

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