What does Icarus mean and where does it come from?
Icarus is a name from Greek mythology, derived from 'Ἴκαρος' (Ikaros). According to legend, Icarus was the son of Daedalus, a skilled craftsman. Icarus attempted to escape confinement by flying with wings made of wax and feathers, but he flew too close to the sun, causing the wax to melt. This name
Cultural significance
Icarus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of follower.
Peak popularity
Reached #5295 in 2016 — currently #5130 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Icarus?
Icarus works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Icarus Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Icarus Rose
Floral · soft ending
Icarus Mae
Sweet · timeless
Icarus Claire
French influence · crisp
Icarus Jane
Literary · strong
Icarus Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Icarus right now?
Rising fast — up 155 spots — currently #5130 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #5130 | 19 | ▲ up 155 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #5285 | 18 | ▲ up 2517 · +80% births |
| 2021 | #7802 | 10 | ▲ up 1509 · +25% births |
| 2020 | #9311 | 8 | ▼ down 1315 · -20% births |
| 2015 | #7996 | 10 | — |
The story of Icarus
Icarus is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2011. With 82 total births recorded, Icarus remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7996 in 2015 to #5130 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Icarus in 2016:
💎Icarus has only 82 total recorded births since 2011 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Icarus?
What names sound and feel like Icarus?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Icarus also consider these
How is Icarus written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Icarus
What does the name Icarus mean?
Icarus means "follower" — 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 Icarus?
Icarus is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Icarus have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Icarus?
Icarus 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 Icarus?
Icarus is a three-syllable name pronounced IH1 K ER2 AH0 S. 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 Icarus?
Icarus 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.