Adonis is a male given name of Greek origin. It comes from the ancient Greek word "ἀδώνις," which means "from Adonis." The term "Adonis" itself was used to refer to a handsome young man or a beautiful youth in classical Greek literature.
According to Greek mythology, Adonis was a stunningly attractive young man who was beloved by both Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, and Persephone, the queen of the underworld. The myth states that Adonis was killed by a wild boar while hunting, which caused great grief to both goddesses.
The name Adonis has been associated with beauty and youth throughout history. In the Middle Ages, it was often used as a personification of ideal male beauty in art and literature. During the Renaissance period, it became popular among nobility and wealthy families due to its association with elegance and refinement.
Today, Adonis remains a unique and attractive given name for boys. It has been used by various cultures around the world, including those who follow Greek Orthodox Christianity or are interested in ancient Greek mythology. Despite its origins, however, the name Adonis does not specifically relate to any particular religious significance or cultural festival. Instead, it simply denotes beauty and charm.
The name Adonis experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century. Initially, it was quite uncommon with only a few births each year until the mid-1950s when it began to gain traction. The most notable increase occurred between 1974 and 1979, where there were at least 46 births each year, reaching a peak of 74 births in 1979. This trend continued into the early 1980s but then gradually declined until around the mid-1990s.
Starting from 1995, the popularity of the name Adonis began to rise dramatically. Between 1995 and 2000, there were consistently over 200 births each year, with a record high of 315 births in 1995. This trend continued into the new millennium, with consistent increases year after year until reaching an all-time high in recent years: 2093 births in 2023.
In total, there have been 18,388 recorded births of the name Adonis since 1918.