All about the name

Thetis

Female

« Thetis is a female name of Greek origin derived from 'theites,' meaning 'divine' or 'from the sea.' It is associated with Thetis, the Nereid mother of Achilles in Greek mythology. »

#22495 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Thetis is a female name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "theites," which means "divine" or "from the sea." In Greek mythology, Thetis was a Nereid, a sea nymph who was the mother of Achilles, one of the greatest heroes of the Trojan War. According to the legend, Thetis dipped her son in the River Styx to make him invulnerable, except for his heel, which she held while doing so. This is why Achilles' heel became a metaphor for any vulnerable point. The name Thetis has been used throughout history and can be found in various cultures. In ancient Greek literature, Thetis appears in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey as the mother of Achilles. She was also mentioned by other Greek poets such as Hesiod and Pindar. In Roman mythology, she was known as Thetide. The name Thetis has been used as a given name for females since the Middle Ages. It gained popularity during the Victorian era when classic Greek names were fashionable. Today, it is still considered an uncommon but beautiful name with strong ties to ancient Greek mythology and history. Overall, Thetis is a unique and captivating name that carries with it a rich historical and mythological significance. Its meaning, "divine" or "from the sea," reflects its connection to ancient Greek culture and mythology.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Thetis since 1880

Total births
147
Total since 1880
Peak year
1915
10 births
in 1949
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years