Achilles is a name of Greek origin, derived from the ancient Greek word 'Akhilleus'. It means 'pain' or 'grief', which was the response of his mother, Thetis, when she learned that her son would die young.
The name Achilles is most famously associated with the hero of the same name in Homer's epic poem, the Iliad. According to legend, Achilles was the son of the sea nymph Thetis and Peleus, a mortal king. He was known for his extraordinary strength, courage, and skill in battle, and was considered one of the greatest warriors of the Trojan War.
In Greek mythology, it is said that Achilles was dipped into the River Styx by his mother to make him invulnerable, but she held him by the heel, which remained vulnerable. This explains why Achilles is often depicted with a bandage on his heel in works of art. Despite this vulnerability, Achilles played a crucial role in the Trojan War and was eventually killed by an arrow to the heel.
Today, the name Achilles is still used as a boy's name and continues to evoke images of heroism, strength, and tragedy. It is a name with deep roots in ancient Greek culture and mythology, but it also resonates with people today due to its association with one of the most famous heroes in literature.
"The name Akhilleus has had an intermittent popularity over recent years, with no babies named Akhilleus being born between 2013 and 2014."