Achilles

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Achilles

Achilles is a Greek boy name, which has 8 letters.

Achilles is derived from the Greek Ἀχιλλεύς (Akhilleus), which is of unknown meaning. In Greek mythology, Achilles was a hero of the Trojan War, the central character and the greatest warrior of Homer's Iliad.

Pronuncation uh-KILL-eez

Alternate Meaning Pain

Origin or Current Usage Greek

Gender M

Rating

Be the first one to vote!

Log in to save this name to your favorites.

What to Expect When You're Expecting

Buy On Amazon

The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be

Buy On Amazon

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide

Buy On Amazon

Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby's First Years

Buy On Amazon

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy

Buy On Amazon
These are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Detailed Information About The Name Achilles

The name 'Achilles' originated from Greek mythology and holds significant historical and cultural importance. In Greek, the name is written as Ἀχιλλεύς (Achilleus) and is derived from the word 'achos' meaning "pain" or "grief." Achilles was a hero and central character in Homer's epic poem, the Iliad. He was the son of Peleus, a mortal king, and Thetis, a sea nymph and a goddess. Legends state that Achilles possessed incredible strength, courage, and skill in battle, making him virtually invincible.

The story of Achilles revolves around the Trojan War, which occurred in Greek mythology. It is believed that Achilles played a vital role in the war, fighting against the Trojans. One of the most notable aspects of Achilles' story is his vulnerable heel. According to myth, Achilles was dipped into the River Styx by his mother to make him invulnerable. However, because she held him by his heel, it remained unprotected. Ultimately, this weakness led to his downfall when he was shot in the heel with an arrow, which caused his death.

The name 'Achilles' has become synonymous with bravery, valor, and honorable combat. Throughout history and in various cultures, the name has been used to represent individuals of exceptional skill and ability, particularly in military and athletic contexts. In contemporary society, the name 'Achilles' is often associated with strength, speed, and resilience. It can be seen in popular culture, including films, books, and sports, as a symbol of extraordinary prowess and heroism.

Overall, the name 'Achilles' carries a rich legacy that spans centuries. Its association with Greek mythology and the heroic tales of the Trojan War have solidified its place in both ancient and modern cultural narratives. As a symbol of strength and courage, the name continues to captivate and inspire individuals worldwide.

Search Baby Names & Meanings

Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!

Celebrity Baby Names

Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.

Celebrity Baby Names

Naming Your Baby

Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.

Naming Your Baby

Unusual Baby Names

Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.

Unusual Baby Names

Biblical Baby Names

Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!

Biblical Baby Names

Types of Baby Names

The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.

Types of Baby Names