Icarus is a name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "ikarios," which means "of the sun" or "sun-like." The name Icarus is associated with the son of the master craftsman Daedalus in Greek mythology. According to the myth, Daedalus created wings made of feathers and wax so that he and his son could escape from King Minos on the island of Crete. However, Icarus flew too close to the sun, causing the wax holding the wings together to melt, resulting in him falling into the sea where he drowned.
Despite its tragic associations with Greek mythology, the name Icarus has been used throughout history and continues to be chosen by parents today due to its unique sound and rich historical significance. It is considered an uncommon yet intriguing choice for a boy's name, often attracting individuals who appreciate rare or unusual names with deep cultural roots.
The name Icarus has seen a fluctuating trend of usage over the past decade in the United States, with the number of births annually ranging from as low as 5 to as high as 19.
In 2011, there were only 5 babies named Icarus born in the US. This number held steady at 5 again in 2013 and 2014, indicating that during those years, parents chose the name for their newborn sons less frequently than in other years.
The year 2015 marked a significant increase with 10 births, suggesting an uptick in popularity. This upward trend continued into 2016 with 18 births, making it the peak year for the name Icarus during this period.
However, after reaching its zenith in 2016, the usage of the name began to decrease again. In 2017 and 2020, there were only 5 and 8 births respectively, showing a dip in popularity once more.
Interestingly, since 2018, there has been another resurgence in the usage of the name Icarus. After 11 births in that year, the number rose to 9 in 2019, and then reached its current peak with 18 births in both 2021 and 2022.
In total, over the decade spanning from 2011 to 2023, there have been a combined 129 babies named Icarus born in the United States. This data illustrates how the popularity of this unique name has ebbed and flowed over time.