Achilles is a strong and powerful name of Greek origin, derived from the mythological hero Achilles. The name means "pain" or "grief," which refers to the suffering that the hero caused his mother, Thetis, by choosing to participate in the Trojan War.
According to Greek mythology, Achilles was the son of Thetis, a sea nymph, and Peleus, a mortal king. He was known for his exceptional strength, courage, and skill in battle. However, he had a weakness - a vulnerable heel that was not protected by the divine power granted to him by his mother.
The name Achilles has been used throughout history and is still popular today, especially among those who appreciate its rich cultural heritage and powerful meaning. It's a strong and memorable name that carries with it a sense of historical significance and heroism.
The name Achilles has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. Between 1912 and 2012, there were only 47 recorded births with the name Achilles. However, between 2012 and 2023, there have been a total of 1,568 births with this name, marking an over 30-fold increase in popularity.
The most significant rise occurred between 2004 and 2014, where the number of babies named Achilles increased from 32 to 171, representing a growth of more than five times. This trend has continued, with the number of births with the name Achilles reaching an all-time high of 257 in 2018.
Interestingly, there was a notable dip in popularity between 2020 and 2023, with the number of births dropping from 196 to 159. However, it is still higher than the average annual birth rate for Achilles between 1912 and 2012.
Overall, while Achilles was not a commonly used name in the early to mid-20th century in the United States, its popularity has surged in recent years, with more than four times as many babies being named Achilles in the past decade compared to the previous century combined.