"strength, manly beauty"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Apollo
Pronunciation: [ uhp-AHL-oh ]
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The golden god of sun, music, and eternal inspiration
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The Story of Apollo
Apollo is one of the most significant Olympian gods in Greek and Roman mythology — god of the sun, music, poetry, art, prophecy, truth, archery, plague, healing, and more. The etymology of his name is disputed; ancient Greeks connected it to 'apollymi' (to destroy) or 'apollon' (the one who drives away). Some modern scholars link it to an Anatolian root. Whatever its origin, the name carries two millennia of cultural weight.
Apollo began rising strongly in the 2010s as parents sought mythological names with gravitas. It was notably given by celebrity parents Rob Lowe and Gwen Stefani (who named her son Apollo in 2014), which brought considerable mainstream attention. The NASA Apollo program (1961-1972) also gives the name a space-age heroism.
The Apollo program that landed humans on the moon transformed Apollo from ancient myth to modern heroism. In Greek culture, Apollo was the ideal of youthful masculine beauty and intellectual perfection — the archetype of the 'Renaissance man.' The Pythian Games at Delphi were held in his honor.
Historical Record
Apollo first appeared in US Social Security records in 1965.
Over 8,282 babies have been named Apollo in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Apollo is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #415 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The NASA Apollo program put 12 humans on the Moon between 1969 and 1972
- The Oracle at Delphi was dedicated to Apollo and was consulted by leaders from across the ancient world
- Apollo 13's famous 'Houston, we have a problem' moment has made the mission name permanently iconic
Apollo in Other Languages
Greek
Απόλλων
Latin
Apollo
Italian
Apollo
Spanish
Apolo
Japanese
アポロ
Popularity Over Time
#415
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Apollo
A
A
Apollo Creed Fictional
Other
Fictional heavyweight boxing champion from the Rocky film series, played by Carl Weathers
A
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #415
- Total SSA Count
- 776
- Cultural Origins
- American Greek Italian Spanish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pol
Pollo
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Apollo
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Apollo is also used as a girl name, ranked #17710.
View Apollo as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Apollo
What does the name Apollo mean?
"strength, manly beauty" (from Greek). Apollo is one of the most significant Olympian gods in Greek and Roman mythology — god of the sun, music, poetry, art, prophecy, truth, archery, plague, healing, and more. The etymology of his name is disputed; ancient Greeks connected it to 'apollymi' (to destroy) or 'apollon' (the one who drives away). Some modern scholars link it to an Anatolian root. Whatever its origin, the name carries two millennia of cultural weight.
What is the origin of the name Apollo?
Apollo has Greek, American, Italian, and Spanish origins. In Greek, it means "strength, manly beauty".
Is Apollo a boy or girl name?
Apollo is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #415. As a girl name, it is ranked #17710. Apollo is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Apollo?
Apollo is pronounced uhp-AHL-oh.
How popular is the name Apollo?
Apollo is currently ranked #415 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Apollo?
Common nicknames for Apollo include Pol and Pollo.
What are good middle names for Apollo?
Popular middle name pairings include Apollo James, Apollo Alexander, Apollo Gabriel, Apollo Orion, Apollo Maximus, and Apollo Grant.
What are good sibling names for Apollo?
Names that pair well with Apollo as siblings include Zeus, Athena, Orion, Diana, Cassius, and Aurora.
How many syllables does Apollo have?
Apollo has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Apollo a common or rare name?
Apollo is a popular name, ranked #415 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
What boy names are similar to Apollo?
Are there other spellings for Apollo?
Related spellings include Apolo.
About the Name Apollo
Apollo is a boy name with American, Greek, Italian, and Spanish origins . The name means "strength, manly beauty" in Greek .
Is Apollo a boy or girl name? Apollo is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #415 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #17,710. Apollo is more commonly used as a boy name.
Apollo is currently ranked #415 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Apollo has 3 syllables and is pronounced uhp-AHL-oh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Apollo include Pol and Pollo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Apollo include Apolo . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis