Achilles
Achilles is a boy's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Pain or grief of the people, or derived from the river god Achelous.
Origin and history
Achilles is a classical masculine name derived from Ancient Greek mythology, famous for the heroic warrior in Homer's Iliad. Though long recognized through classical literature, it has gained moderate contemporary popularity in the United States in recent decades. It conveys strength and classical heritage for modern parents selecting a bold mythic name.
Popularity in the United States
3,844 babies in the United States have been named Achilles since 1880. It ranks #2057 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1056.
States where it is most popular
- CA (23.6 %)
- TX (17.9 %)
- NY (11.6 %)
- FL (11.1 %)
- AZ (4.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 43 |
| 1920-1930 | 78 |
| 1930-1940 | 23 |
| 1940-1950 | 5 |
| 1950-1960 | 5 |
| 1960-1970 | 5 |
| 1970-1980 | 29 |
| 1980-1990 | 29 |
| 1990-2000 | 43 |
| 2000-2010 | 696 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,834 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,054 |
Fun facts
- Achilles is the central character of Homer's epic poem, the Iliad, which recounts the events of the Trojan War.
- The Achilles tendon, the strongest tendon in the human body, was named after the mythic hero's single vulnerable spot.