What does Apollo mean and where does it come from?
Apollo is traditionally a male name in Greek mythology, associated with the god of light, music, and prophecy. However, in some modern contexts, particularly in pop culture and literature, it has been used as a female name as well. The name has ancient origins, first used in the Greek world and popu
Cultural significance
Apollo has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of apollo, god of the sun, music, and prophecy.
Peak popularity
Reached #15390 in 2020 — currently #434 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Apollo?
Apollo works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Apollo Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Apollo Rose
Floral · soft ending
Apollo Mae
Sweet · timeless
Apollo Claire
French influence · crisp
Apollo Jane
Literary · strong
Apollo Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Apollo right now?
Declining — down 45 spots — currently #434 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #434 | 717 | ▼ down 45 · -13% births |
| 2022 | #389 | 820 | ▲ up 8 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #397 | 787 | ▲ up 14993 · +15640% births |
| 2020 | #15390 | 5 | — |
The story of Apollo
Apollo is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2020. With 5,162 total births recorded, Apollo remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #15390 in 2020 to #434 in 2023. Apollo is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Apollo in 2020:
Apollo by decade
Apollo peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 21 | |
| 1970s | 134 | |
| 1980s | 263 | |
| 1990s | 143 | |
| 2000s | 511 | |
| 2010s ★ | 3,426 | |
| 2020s | 664 | |
💎With 5,162 total births, Apollo is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Apollo?
What names sound and feel like Apollo?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Apollo also consider these
How is Apollo written in other languages?
Gender variants of Apollo
Common questions about the name Apollo
What does the name Apollo mean?
Apollo means "of Apollo, god of the sun, music, and prophecy" — 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 Apollo?
Apollo is currently ranked #434 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Apollo have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Apollo?
Apollo 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 Apollo?
Apollo is a three-syllable name pronounced AH0 P AA1 L OW0. 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 Apollo?
Apollo 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.