What does Achilles mean and where does it come from?
Achilles (Ἀχιλλεύς) is a figure from ancient Greek mythology, most famously known as a hero of Homer's Iliad. The name is believed to mean 'pain' or 'grief' in Greek, reflecting the tragic elements of Achilles's story. He was known for his strength and martial prowess, as well as his vulnerable heel
Cultural significance
Achilles has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pain, grief.
Peak popularity
Reached #858 in 2018 — currently #1229 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Achilles?
Achilles works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Achilles Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Achilles Rose
Floral · soft ending
Achilles Mae
Sweet · timeless
Achilles Claire
French influence · crisp
Achilles Jane
Literary · strong
Achilles Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Achilles right now?
Falling — down 108 spots — currently #1229 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1229 | 160 | ▼ down 108 · -15% births |
| 2022 | #1121 | 189 | ▼ down 40 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #1081 | 196 | ▼ down 39 · +3% births |
| 2020 | #1042 | 191 | ▼ down 77 · -11% births |
| 2015 | #965 | 214 | ▲ up 516 · +95% births |
| 2010 | #1481 | 110 | ▼ down 286 · -17% births |
| 2005 | #1195 | 133 | ▲ up 5170 · +1230% births |
| 2000 | #6365 | 10 | ▲ up 2629 · +100% births |
| 1995 | #8994 | 5 | ▼ down 2329 |
| 1985 | #6665 | 5 | ▼ down 259 |
| 1980 | #6406 | 5 | ▼ down 2384 · -37% births |
| 1975 | #4022 | 8 | ▼ down 177 · +60% births |
| 1950 | #3845 | 5 | ▼ down 223 |
| 1940 | #3622 | 5 | ▲ up 738 |
| 1925 | #4360 | 5 | — |
The story of Achilles
Achilles entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 2,973 total births recorded, Achilles remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2551 in 1915 to #1229 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Achilles in 2018:
Achilles by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 43 | |
| 1920s | 78 | |
| 1930s | 23 | |
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 29 | |
| 1980s | 29 | |
| 1990s | 43 | |
| 2000s | 696 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,826 | |
| 2020s | 191 | |
💎With 2,973 total births, Achilles is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Achilles?
What names sound and feel like Achilles?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Achilles also consider these
How is Achilles written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Achilles
What does the name Achilles mean?
Achilles means "Pain, grief" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Achilles?
Achilles is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Achilles?
Achilles originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Achilles?
Achilles is a three-syllable name pronounced AH0 K IH1 L IY0 Z. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Achilles?
Achilles pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.