Akilles is a Greek name derived from the legendary hero Achilles in Homer's epic poem "The Iliad." The name originates from the Greek word "akhos," which means "pain" or "grief," and "laos," meaning "people." Thus, Akilles can be interpreted as "pain of the people."
According to mythology, Achilles was a demigod, the son of the mortal Peleus and the sea nymph Thetis. He is known for his extraordinary strength, courage, and skill in battle. His mother dipped him into the River Styx to make him invulnerable, but held him by the heel, which remained un-immersed and became his only vulnerable spot. This led to his eventual death after being struck by an arrow in his heel by Paris of Troy.
The name Akilles has been used throughout history and is still popular today, particularly in countries with strong Greek influences such as Greece, Cyprus, and other Mediterranean regions. It has also gained popularity in other parts of the world due to its rich historical significance and unique sound.
In literature and art, Achilles continues to be a prominent figure, inspiring countless stories, poems, plays, and works of visual art. His legendary heroism and tragic fate have captivated audiences for centuries, solidifying his place as one of the most famous heroes in Western culture. The name Akilles pays homage to this extraordinary figure from Greek mythology.
The name Akilles has been used with varying frequency over the past two decades in the United States. Between 2005 and 2022, there have been a total of 54 babies named Akilles born in the U.S. The peak years for this name were 2006 and 2007, with 10 births each year. After these peak years, the number of births with the name Akilles began to decrease, with only 8 births in 2009, 5 births in both 2019 and 2022. Despite this decline in recent years, Akilles remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something different for their baby boy.