The name Argus is of Greek origin and has a rich history behind it. It is derived from the Greek word "argos," which means "bright" or "shining." In Greek mythology, Argus was a giant with many eyes scattered all over his body. He was created by the goddess Hera to guard her husband Zeus' lover, Io, in the form of a cow.
Argus was known for his vigilance and watchfulness due to his numerous eyes that never slept. This mythical creature has become synonymous with alertness and attentiveness. The name Argus is also associated with the constellation of Argus, which is named after this giant from Greek mythology.
In literature, the name Argus appears in works such as Homer's "Odyssey," where Argus is a dog belonging to Odysseus' faithful swineherd, Eumaeus. Despite its mythological origins and associations with vigilance, Argus is not a common given name. However, it has been used occasionally throughout history and can be found among some families as a middle or first name.
In recent times, the name Argus has gained popularity as a surname, particularly in Scotland. It is believed to have originated from a family who took their name from the Middle English word "argos," meaning "shining" or "clear." Despite its rare usage as a given name, Argus remains an intriguing and historically significant name with deep roots in Greek mythology.
The name Argus has been used relatively infrequently in the United States over the past century, with a total of 199 births recorded since 1912.
During the early to mid-20th century, there was some variation in the number of babies named Argus each year. The highest years were between 1918 and 1923, with a peak of 13 births in 1921. However, it's important to note that these figures are not adjusted for population size or other demographic factors.
There was then a significant drop-off in the use of the name Argus from the late 1930s until the early 2000s. There were no recorded births with this name between 1944 and 2017, indicating that it may have fallen out of favor during this period.
However, there has been a resurgence in recent years, with five babies named Argus born in both 2018 and 2023. This could indicate a growing interest in unique, less common names among parents today.