Skylla is a unique and distinctive female given name of Greek origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in ancient mythology.
In Greek mythology, Skylla was a monstrous creature that dwelt on one side of the narrow strait that lies between Italy and Sicily, called the Straits of Messina. She had six heads of dogs on her main body, a tale of wolves' tails, and devoured sailors who passed nearby. The other side of the strait was guarded by another monster named Charybdis.
Despite its monstrous association, Skylla as a given name has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and spelling. It is often associated with strength, power, and individuality, likely due to its mythological origins. However, it's important to note that the name does not inherently carry these meanings, but rather people have attributed them based on their interpretation of the myth.
Today, Skylla is still relatively rare as a given name, but it continues to be used and chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and cultural significance. It remains a distinctive choice for those looking for a name that stands out from the crowd.
The name Skylla has been consistently present in the United States birth records over the past two decades, with a total of 33 babies being named Skylla since the year 2000. The peak years for this unique name were in 2008 and 2017, each with 7 and 6 births respectively. While it's not among the most popular names, Skylla has maintained a steady presence on the birth records, showing that it is appreciated by some parents looking for distinctive and uncommon names for their children.