Drax first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Drax has been for the last 9 years (from 2015 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Drax

A given name of Germanic origin meaning "dragon" or "serpent".

Popularity of Drax by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Drax is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Drax.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 8 0
2021 8 0
2020 5 0
2019 14 0
2018 11 0
2017 11 0
2015 6 0

The history of the first name Drax

The name Drax originates from the ancient Greco-Roman culture and can be traced back to the late classical period around the 4th century BCE. It is derived from the Greek word "drakkos," meaning "dragon" or "serpent." The name likely emerged as a descriptor or epithet for someone with a fierce or formidable demeanor, akin to a dragon.

One of the earliest known references to the name Drax can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek historian Plutarch, who lived from around 46 CE to 120 CE. In his work "Parallel Lives," he mentioned a Spartan soldier named Drax who fought valiantly during the Peloponnesian War in the 5th century BCE.

During the Roman Empire, the name Drax gained some popularity, particularly among soldiers and warriors. A notable figure was Lucius Drax, a Roman centurion who served under Julius Caesar in the Gallic Wars of the 1st century BCE. He was known for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield.

In the Middle Ages, the name Drax surfaced in various European regions, often associated with nobility and landowners. One prominent individual was Sir John Drax (1349-1428), an English knight and landowner who fought in the Hundred Years' War against the French.

In the Renaissance period, the name Drax appeared in literary works, such as the play "The Tragedy of Dido, Queen of Carthage" by Christopher Marlowe, where a character named Drax is mentioned.

Throughout history, several other individuals have borne the name Drax, including:

  1. Drax the Philosopher (c. 300 BCE), a Greek philosopher known for his teachings on ethics and virtue.
  2. Drax of Pergamon (c. 200 BCE), a renowned Greek physician and anatomist.
  3. Drax the Younger (c. 50 CE), a Roman poet and satirist known for his witty verses.
  4. Drax the Monk (c. 1150 CE), a Benedictine monk and scholar known for his work on religious texts.
  5. Drax Montagu (1670-1734), an English courtier and diplomat who served under King William III and Queen Anne.

While the name Drax has roots in ancient Greek and Roman cultures, it has endured throughout various periods and regions, often associated with strength, valor, and nobility.

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

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

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"Drax first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on April 26, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/drax-meaning-and-history/.

"Drax first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/drax-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 26 April, 2025

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

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