Achilles, of Greek origin, means 'pain' or 'grief'. This moniker is famously associated with the legendary hero from Homer's Iliad, son of Peleus and Thetis. According to myth, Achilles was dipped into the River Styx by his mother, making him invulnerable, except for his heel where she held him. He played a pivotal role in the Trojan War and was known for his courage and prowess on the battlefield.
The name Achilles experienced a significant surge in popularity from the early 2000s onwards, with a marked increase starting around the year 2004. Between 2004 and 2022, there were 2769 births, accounting for approximately 78% of all recorded instances of the name Achilles since 1912. Prior to this period, the name was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 10 births per year most years. The highest number of births in the early history of the name occurred in 2004 with 32 births, but this pales in comparison to the peak popularity seen recently, with over 250 births each year from 2017 to 2018.