Argo first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Argo has been for the last 3 years (from 2018 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Argo

Swift ancient Greek sailing vessel or mythological ship.

Popularity of Argo by gender

Based on the last 3 years of data, Argo is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Argo.

Year Male Count Female Count
2020 5 0
2018 5 0

The history of the first name Argo

The given name Argo has its origins in Greek mythology, where it was the name of the famous ship that carried Jason and the Argonauts on their quest for the Golden Fleece. The name Argo is believed to be derived from the Greek word "argos," meaning "swift" or "shining," referring to the ship's speed and splendor.

In ancient Greek literature, the Argo is prominently featured in the epic poem "Argonautica" by Apollonius of Rhodes, which recounts the voyage of Jason and his crew. The ship's construction was overseen by the skilled shipwright Argus, and it was renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and ability to navigate treacherous waters.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Argo in history is in the writings of the Greek historian Herodotus, who lived in the 5th century BC. He mentioned the Argo in relation to the Argonauts' journey and the mythological tales surrounding it.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Argo. One example is Argo Scholasticus (circa 10th century AD), a Byzantine scholar and grammarian who wrote commentaries on ancient Greek literature, including works by Homer and Euripides.

Another prominent figure was Argo Gonzales (1853-1942), a Spanish painter and illustrator known for his vibrant depictions of Spanish culture and landscapes. His works showcased the rich traditions and daily life of his homeland.

In the field of astronomy, Argo Navis was the name given to a large constellation in the southern celestial hemisphere, representing the ship Argo from Greek mythology. The constellation was later divided into smaller constellations, but its association with the legendary vessel remains.

One of the most famous individuals named Argo was Argo Plant (1889-1983), an American architect who played a significant role in the development of Art Deco style architecture in the United States. He designed several iconic buildings, including the Gulf Building in Houston and the Tampa Theatre in Florida.

Argo Nau (1920-1995) was a German Olympic athlete who competed in rowing events during the 1952 and 1956 Summer Olympics. He won a bronze medal in the coxless fours event in 1952, contributing to Germany's success in the sport.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have borne the name Argo, which has its roots in the rich tapestry of Greek mythology and literature, and has been associated with themes of adventure, exploration, and craftsmanship.

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

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

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"Argo first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on April 27, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/argo-meaning-and-history/.

"Argo first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/argo-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 27 April, 2025

Argo first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/argo-meaning-and-history/.

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