Delos is a unique and distinctive given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek island of Delos, which was considered sacred in ancient times due to its association with the god Apollo and his sister Artemis. According to myth, Leto gave birth to Apollo and Artemis on this very island after being chased away by Hera's wrath.
The name Delos has a profound significance in Greek mythology and culture. It symbolizes light, knowledge, prophecy, and wisdom, as Apollo was known for these attributes. Additionally, it signifies purity and sacredness, reflecting the fact that no one was permitted to die or give birth on the island of Delos to maintain its sanctity.
Historically, Delos played a significant role in ancient Greece as a center of worship for Apollo and Artemis. It was also an important port city and a hub for trade and commerce due to its strategic location in the Cyclades archipelago. Many artifacts and remains from this period can still be seen on the island today.
While not commonly used as a given name, Delos is nonetheless an appealing and meaningful option for parents seeking a distinctive and significant name for their child. Its Greek origins and mythological associations give it a rich history and profound symbolism that make it a memorable choice.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Delos has seen varying levels of popularity over time in the United States.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were fewer than ten births with the name Delos per year. The highest number during this period was 14 births in 1912. However, from 1916 onwards, we see a significant increase in the popularity of the name Delos, reaching a peak of 49 births in 1923.
The 1920s and early 1930s saw consistent popularity for the name Delos, with yearly birth counts ranging from the mid-twenties to the low-forties. However, starting around 1936, there was a steady decline in the number of babies named Delos each year.
From the late 1930s to the early 1950s, the name Delos was given to fewer than twenty babies per year on average. There were some fluctuations during this time, with peaks at 22 births in 1946 and 16 births in 1959.
The popularity of the name Delos continued to decline from the mid-1950s onwards. Between 1955 and 1970, there were fewer than ten babies named Delos each year, with some years seeing as few as five births.
From the 1970s to present day (2020), the name Delos has remained relatively uncommon in the United States. There have been six or fewer births per year with this name during this period, indicating that it is no longer a popular choice for parents naming their children.
In total, there have been 1,323 babies named Delos in the United States since 1880.