Achilles

Pronunciation: [ uhk-IHL-eez ]

Boy Name #1,223 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

The mightiest warrior of the Trojan War lives on

Greek English American Italian

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Meaning & Origin

"he who causes distress"

Origin: Greek

Language: English

Things to Know About This Name

'Achilles heel' is a universal idiom for a fatal weakness — mildly ironic for a name

The Story of Achilles

Achilles is the Latinized form of the Greek Akhilleus, whose etymology is debated. The most cited interpretation connects it to 'achos' (pain, grief) + 'laos' (people), meaning 'pain of the people' or 'he who causes pain to the people.' Other scholars connect it to 'a-' (without) + 'cheilos' (lips), though this is less accepted. In Greek mythology, Achilles was the greatest warrior of the Trojan War, hero of Homer's Iliad — nearly invulnerable except for his famous heel, where his mother Thetis had held him when dipping him in the river Styx.

Achilles has been a rare but persistent choice in English-speaking countries, used by parents who want a heroic, classical name with undeniable strength. It has been trending upward since the 2010s as mythological and ancient names gain popularity. The film Troy (2004), starring Brad Pitt as Achilles, brought renewed attention to the name.

Achilles is one of the most iconic figures in all of Western literature and mythology. The Iliad, attributed to Homer, opens with the 'wrath of Achilles' — the famous anger that drives the entire epic. The phrase 'Achilles heel' has entered every language as a metaphor for a fatal vulnerability, making Achilles uniquely embedded in global culture.

Fun Facts

The 'Achilles tendon' connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone is named after the mythological Achilles
The Iliad opens with 'Menin aeide thea' — 'Sing, goddess, the anger of Achilles'
Alexander the Great considered himself a descendant of Achilles and reportedly slept with a copy of the Iliad under his pillow

Achilles in Other Languages

Greek Αχιλλέας

French Achille

German Achilleus

Italian Achille

Spanish Aquiles

Portuguese Aquiles

Famous People Named Achilles

Achille Mbembe

Writer

1957

Cameroonian philosopher and political theorist, one of Africa's most influential contemporary thinkers

Achilles (Greek mythology) Fictional

Military

The greatest Greek warrior of the Trojan War, protagonist of Homer's Iliad, nearly invulnerable except for his heel

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #1,223
Total SSA Count: 164
Cultural Origins: Greek English American Italian
Pronunciation: Moderate
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Achille Kili

Pairs Well With

Achilles James Achilles Alexander Achilles Thomas Achilles John Achilles Xavier Achilles Cole

Sibling Names

Hector Helena Ajax Penelope Odysseus Cassandra

Similar Names

Nikhil

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Achilles

What does the name Achilles mean?

"he who causes distress" (from Greek). Achilles is the Latinized form of the Greek Akhilleus, whose etymology is debated. The most cited interpretation connects it to 'achos' (pain, grief) + 'laos' (people), meaning 'pain of the people' or 'he who causes pain to the people.' Other scholars connect it to 'a-' (without) + 'cheilos' (lips), though this is less accepted. In Greek mythology, Achilles was the greatest warrior of the Trojan War, hero of Homer's Iliad — nearly invulnerable except for his famous heel, where his mother Thetis had held him when dipping him in the river Styx.

What is the origin of the name Achilles?

Achilles has Greek, English, American, and Italian origins. In Greek, it means "he who causes distress".

Is Achilles a boy or girl name?

Achilles is primarily used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Achilles?

Achilles is pronounced uhk-IHL-eez.

How popular is the name Achilles?

Achilles is currently ranked #1223 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Achilles?

Common nicknames for Achilles include Achille and Kili.

What are good middle names for Achilles?

Popular middle name pairings include Achilles James, Achilles Alexander, Achilles Thomas, Achilles John, Achilles Xavier, and Achilles Cole.

What are good sibling names for Achilles?

Names that pair well with Achilles as siblings include Hector, Helena, Ajax, Penelope, Odysseus, and Cassandra.

How many syllables does Achilles have?

Achilles has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Achilles a common or rare name?

Achilles is an uncommon name, ranked #1223 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Achilles

Achilles is a boy name with Greek, English, American, and Italian origins . The name means "he who causes distress" in Greek .

Achilles is currently ranked #1,223 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Achilles has 3 syllables and is pronounced uhk-IHL-eez, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Achilles include Achille and Kili. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.