Achilles

“Pain, grief”

Greece origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1229US 2023

160Births / yr

↓Falling

3kAll-time births

📅 Since 191200.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Achilles

uk·IL·eez

/ək.ˈɪl.iːz/ · stress on IL · 3 syllables

“Pain, grief”

Greece origin · Boy name

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Achilles right now?

Falling — down 108 spots — currently #1229 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1229 · Top 0.91%

1925

1940

1950

1975

1980

1985

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Achilles

Best Year2015Rank #965

Peak Count214

Average Rank#3427

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 202317 years

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:

Liam Noah William James Oliver

Achilles by decade

Achilles peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

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?

Common

AchIlles

What names sound and feel like Achilles?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Achilles also consider these

Akhilles

Greece · One who is

Achillies

English · A meaningful name

Achille

Greek · he who is

Achillefs

Celtic · A Celtic name

Akilles

Greece · a warrior, 'he

Akiles

Greece · the one who

Archille

Greece · Of Achilles; related

Aquiles

Greece · Αχιλλεύς (Achilleus) meaning

How is Achilles written in other languages?

Αχιλλευς

Ancient Greek

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.