Atlas is a name of Greek origin, derived from the Titan god of the same name in Greek mythology. According to legend, Atlas was one of the Titans who fought against the Olympians during the Titanomachy, a great battle between the two groups of gods. After his defeat by Zeus, king of the gods, Atlas was condemned to hold up the sky on his shoulders for all eternity.
The name Atlas has been interpreted to mean "enduring" or "to carry on one's shoulders," reflecting the god's monumental task in supporting the celestial dome. This interpretation is derived from the Greek word "atlasthai," which means "to suffer" or "to endure."
Throughout history, the name Atlas has been associated with strength and endurance due to its mythological origins. It was used as a title for a book of maps published by the Dutch cartographer Gerardus Mercator in 1595, which helped popularize the use of the name as a symbol of geography and exploration.
In literature, Atlas is also the name of one of the main characters in Mary Shelley's novel "The Last Man," published in 1826. In this story, Atlas plays a significant role in shaping the course of human history during a post-apocalyptic era.
Today, the name Atlas continues to be popular as a given name for boys, carrying with it the connotations of strength, endurance, and global significance that have been associated with it throughout history. It is often chosen by parents who wish to give their child a unique and powerful name with a rich historical and mythological background.
Atlas is a unique and distinctive name that has experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity over the past decade in the United States. While there were only five recorded births with the name Atlas in both 1910 and 1912, there was a noticeable increase to eight births in 1913. This trend of fluctuating popularity continued throughout the early to mid-20th century, with births ranging from five to nine per year.
However, it is important to note that these statistics reflect the total number of births for each year and may not accurately represent the overall popularity of the name Atlas during this time period due to factors such as reporting inconsistencies or variations in naming trends across different regions.
In recent years, there has been a significant spike in the number of babies named Atlas. In 2014, there were 21 births with the name Atlas, marking a substantial increase from previous years. This upward trend continued through 2023, with a total of 160 recorded births in that year alone.
Overall, since 1910, there have been a total of 1026 babies named Atlas born in the United States. It is clear that while the name Atlas has had periods of relative obscurity and fluctuation in popularity, it has become increasingly popular in recent years, with a significant increase in births from 2014 onwards. This trend suggests that parents are drawn to the unique and distinctive sound of the name Atlas, as well as its historical and cultural associations.