Meaning, origin, history
Achilles is a name of Greek origin, derived from the hero of the same name in Homer's epic poem "The Iliad". In Greek mythology, Achilles was the son of the sea nymph Thetis and the mortal king Peleus. According to legend, his mother dipped him into the River Styx to make him invulnerable, but she held him by the heel, which remained vulnerable.
The name Achilles means "pain" or "grief" in Greek. This is believed to be a reference to the grief that Thetis felt when she knew her son would die in battle. Despite its negative connotation, the name Achilles has become synonymous with strength and heroism due to the character's role in the Trojan War.
Throughout history, the name Achilles has been associated with various figures and places. For instance, the asteroid 1864 Achilles is named after the hero. Additionally, there are several locations around the world named after him, including a crater on Mars and an archipelago in Indonesia.
In literature, Achilles has inspired numerous works, most notably "The Iliad" by Homer, which tells the story of the Trojan War from his perspective. Other notable works include "Achilles in Love" by Natalie Haynes and "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller.
Overall, Achilles is a name rich in history and culture, with its roots deeply embedded in Greek mythology. Despite its somber meaning, it has become synonymous with strength and heroism, inspiring countless works of literature and art throughout the centuries.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Achillies since 1880
Total births
93
Total since 1880
Peak year
2015
14 births
in 2020
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-82%
↘
vs previous 5 years