Achilles is a Greek male given name derived from the Ancient Greek word 'Αχιλλευς' (Achilleus). This name has been widely recognized due to its association with Achilles, the hero of Homer's epic poem, the Iliad.
The name Achille has an intriguing origin and meaning. It is believed to derive from two elements: 'αχις' (achis) which means 'pain', and 'λευς' (leus) which means 'grief'. Thus, the name Achille is often translated as 'pain' or 'grief'.
The history of the name Achilles is deeply rooted in Greek mythology. Achilles was a hero of the Trojan War, son of the king Peleus and the sea nymph Thetis. According to legend, Thetis dipped her infant son into the River Styx, holding him by his heel, which made him invulnerable except for that very heel. This detail gives rise to the term "Achilles heel," used today to describe one's weakness or vulnerability.
Over time, the name Achille has transcended its mythological origins and has been adopted as a given name in various cultures around the world. It is often used by parents who wish to evoke strength, courage, and heroism in their child's name, inspired by the epic tales of Achilles.
In conclusion, the name Achille, with its rich historical and mythological roots, continues to be an appealing choice for many parents today, embodying qualities of valor and resilience that have resonated throughout time.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Achille in the United States from 1911 to 2021. Over this period of time, a total of 384 babies were named Achille.
The name Achille reached its peak popularity during the early 1920s, with 21 births recorded in 1924 and 18 births in both 1921 and 1923. However, it's important to note that these numbers represent a very small percentage of total births during these years.
After the 1920s, the popularity of the name Achille began to decline significantly. Between 1925 and 2021, there were only five or fewer births with this name in any given year, with the exception of 14 births in 1919, 15 births in 1918, and 17 births in 1917.
Despite its fluctuation in popularity over the years, the name Achille has maintained a consistent presence in the United States. The most recent data from 2021 shows that there were 8 babies named Achille, demonstrating that this name continues to be chosen by parents for their children today.