Find out how popular the first name Morpheus has been for the last 24 years (from 2000 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Morpheus by gender

Based on the last 24 years of data, Morpheus is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Morpheus.

The history of the first name Morpheus

The name Morpheus is derived from the Greek word "morphe," meaning "form" or "shape." It is the name of the Greek god of dreams and sleep, who has the ability to take any form or shape in dreams. The name Morpheus dates back to ancient Greek mythology and literature.

The earliest recorded mention of the name Morpheus comes from Ovid's Metamorphoses, a Roman mythological work written in the 1st century AD. In the work, Morpheus is described as the son of Somnus, the god of sleep, and is said to have the ability to mimic any human form and shape in dreams.

Another early reference to Morpheus is found in the works of the Greek playwright Aristophanes, who lived in the 5th century BC. In his play "The Frogs," Aristophanes portrays Morpheus as a winged deity who brings dreams to mortals.

One of the earliest historical figures to bear the name Morpheus was a Greek physician and surgeon who lived in the 3rd century BC. Known as Morpheus of Thessaly, he is credited with developing techniques for treating injuries sustained in warfare.

In the 16th century, the name Morpheus was borne by Morpheus Napolitano, an Italian Renaissance painter and architect known for his frescoes and architectural designs in Naples.

Another notable historical figure with the name Morpheus was Morpheus Dosev, a Bulgarian revolutionary and writer who lived in the late 19th century. He played a significant role in the struggle for Bulgarian independence from the Ottoman Empire.

In the field of literature, the name Morpheus has been used by various authors over the centuries. One of the most famous examples is Morpheus, the leader of the rebel forces in the Matrix film trilogy, portrayed by actor Laurence Fishburne.

The name Morpheus has also been associated with the realm of dreams and the subconscious throughout history, making it a popular choice for characters and figures related to the concept of dreams and imagination.

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

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

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