Adonis is a male given name of Greek origin. It comes from the ancient Greek word "ἀδώνις," which means "from Adonis." The term "Adonis" itself was used to refer to a handsome young man or a beautiful youth in classical Greek literature.
According to Greek mythology, Adonis was a stunningly attractive young man who was beloved by both Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, and Persephone, the queen of the underworld. The myth states that Adonis was killed by a wild boar while hunting, which caused great grief to both goddesses.
The name Adonis has been associated with beauty and youth throughout history. In the Middle Ages, it was often used as a personification of ideal male beauty in art and literature. During the Renaissance period, it became popular among nobility and wealthy families due to its association with elegance and refinement.
Today, Adonis remains a unique and attractive given name for boys. It has been used by various cultures around the world, including those who follow Greek Orthodox Christianity or are interested in ancient Greek mythology. Despite its origins, however, the name Adonis does not specifically relate to any particular religious significance or cultural festival. Instead, it simply denotes beauty and charm.
The name Adonis has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration's records of newborns named Adonis, there were only five births each year from 1918 to 1952. However, starting from 1953, the number of babies named Adonis began to rise steadily.
In 1964, there were 21 babies named Adonis, and this number continued to grow, reaching 74 births in 1979. The trend of increased popularity persisted through the 1980s and 1990s, with the highest point so far occurring in 1995 when there were 315 babies named Adonis.
The new millennium brought an even more significant surge in popularity for the name Adonis. In 2006, there were 251 births, and this number continued to rise each year until reaching a record-breaking high of 2093 births in 2023. This data reflects that the name Adonis has become increasingly popular among parents choosing names for their newborn sons in recent years.
Overall, from 1918 to 2023, there have been a total of 18,388 babies named Adonis born in the United States.