Achilles Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Achilles has Greek origins and is derived from 'Achilleus', which may mean 'pain' or 'distress'. It evolved from Ancient Greek to Latin and into Modern English. Achilles is often characterized by themes of heroism and tragedy, with no direct biblical relevance. The name's prominence rose through classical literature and continues to hold cultural significance.
The name Achilles is most popular in Nevada, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Achilles has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Achilles' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3091st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4615th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7552nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6193rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8573rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1868th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1054th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Achilles' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Achilles"
Pronunciation
/əˈkɪl.iːz/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Achilles is derived from the Greek name 'Achilleus'. Its exact meaning is uncertain, but it is often associated with the Greek word 'achos', meaning 'pain' or 'distress'.
Meaning
pain, distress
Language Evolution
Achilleus (Ancient Greek), Achilles (Latin), Achilles (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Achilles gained popularity through ancient Greek literature, particularly in Homer's 'Iliad', where Achilles is a central character known for his strength and tragic fate. It has remained a recognizable name in Western culture and literature.
Variants & Derivatives
Achille, Achill, Kylles
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Achilles is often associated with heroism and strength, largely due to its connection to Greek mythology and the heroic tales of the Trojan War.
Famous People
Achilles Tatius (Ancient Greek Novelist), Achilles of Phthia (Hero in Greek Mythology)
Explore More Achilles Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Achilles"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Achilles"
"Achilles" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3091st of 7545 | 115 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4615th of 6773 | 34 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7552nd of 7552 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6193rd of 10718 | 39 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 8573rd of 16616 | 49 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1868th of 24088 | 1,095 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1054th of 23106 | 2,354 |
Regional Popularity of "Achilles" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
81.94% 1130th/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
78.86% 1227th/1556 |
- | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
48.93% 2242nd/4582 |
34.10% 1761st/5164 |
23.42% 1713th/7313 |
19.59% 1462nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
34.21% 1363rd/3984 |
22.49% 1009th/4487 |
16.62% 1134th/6822 |
13.99% 878th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Achilles" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Achilles"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Achilles" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.