What does Thetis mean and where does it come from?
Thetis (Θέτις) is a name of Greek origin with deep mythological significance. In Greek mythology, Thetis is a sea goddess and the mother of the hero Achilles. She played a major role in the 'Iliad,' where her character represents the divine feminine and maternal devotion. The name has been relativel
Cultural significance
Thetis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #2872 in 1914 — currently #1686 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Thetis?
Thetis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Thetis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Thetis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Thetis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Thetis Claire
French influence · crisp
Thetis Jane
Literary · strong
Thetis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Thetis right now?
Holding steady — currently #1686 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1686 | 514 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1691 | 494 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1696 | 464 | ▲ up 2211 · +5700% births |
| 1925 | #3907 | 8 | ▲ up 329 · +14% births |
| 1920 | #4236 | 7 | ▼ down 1353 · -30% births |
| 1915 | #2883 | 10 | — |
The story of Thetis
Thetis entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 147 total births recorded, Thetis remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2883 in 1915 to #1686 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Thetis in 1914:
Thetis by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 47 | |
| 1920s ★ | 72 | |
| 1930s | 10 | |
| 1940s | 18 | |
💎Thetis has only 147 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Thetis?
Common
TheThetThetieThetyEtis
Famous people named Thetis
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Thetis (Greek poet or artist)
Thetis helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
T(
Thetis (modern Greek athlete)
Thetis brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
T(
Thetis (ancient philosopher)
Thetis bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
T(
Thetis (Greek mythological figure)
Thetis carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Thetis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Thetis also consider these
Common questions about the name Thetis
What does the name Thetis mean?
Thetis means "Greek" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Thetis?
Thetis is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Thetis?
Thetis originates from Greek tradition. Greek 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 Thetis?
Thetis is a two-syllable name pronounced TH IY1 T AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Thetis a common or rare name?
Thetis is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.