"bane, ruin, destruction"
Origin: Ancient Greek
Language: Greek
Ares
Pronunciation: [ AHRZ ]
Does Ares flow with your last name?
The fierce Greek war god's name turned bold girl's choice
Greek
Contemporary
American
Bold
Strong
Unique
Modern
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Meaning & Origin
"god of war"
Origin: Greek mythology
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Ares is the Greek god of war — traditionally strongly masculine; using for a girl is unconventional and may invite comments
The Story of Ares
Ares is the name of the ancient Greek god of war and battle, son of Zeus and Hera. The etymology of the name is debated among scholars — it may derive from the ancient Greek word 'are' meaning 'bane, ruin' or from a pre-Greek substrate language. Though Ares was traditionally masculine in mythology, as a given name for girls it joins a modern trend of mythological male names being adopted as bold, powerful choices for daughters — following names like Artemis, Athena, and even Zeus.
Ares has grown in use in the 2010s-2020s as parents sought powerful mythological names. The TV series The 100 and various video games featuring Ares characters helped bring the name to wider cultural awareness. As a girl's name, it's particularly unusual and represents a bold naming choice.
In Greek mythology, Ares represented the raw, violent aspect of war, contrasting with Athena's strategic warfare. While not as beloved as other Greek gods, Ares was worshipped throughout ancient Greece and considered an ancestor of some noble families. Giving a daughter this name can symbolize fierceness and warrior spirit.
Historical Record
Ares first appeared in US Social Security records in 2011.
Over 263 babies have been named Ares in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ares is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #5,677 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Roman mythology, Ares became Mars — giving his name to both the planet Mars and the month of March
- Ares fathered the Amazons in some Greek mythology, making him connected to fierce warrior women
Ares in Other Languages
Greek
Άρης
Latin
Mars
French
Arès
Italian
Ares
Spanish
Ares
Popularity Over Time
#5,677
Current Rank
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,677
- Total SSA Count
- 22
- Cultural Origins
- Greek Contemporary American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ari
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Distinctive pick, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Distinctive pick, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ares
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Ares is also used as a boy name, ranked #295.
View Ares as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ares
What does the name Ares mean?
"bane, ruin, destruction" (from Ancient Greek). "god of war" (from Greek mythology). Ares is the name of the ancient Greek god of war and battle, son of Zeus and Hera. The etymology of the name is debated among scholars — it may derive from the ancient Greek word 'are' meaning 'bane, ruin' or from a pre-Greek substrate language. Though Ares was traditionally masculine in mythology, as a given name for girls it joins a modern trend of mythological male names being adopted as bold, powerful choices for daughters — following names like Artemis, Athena, and even Zeus.
What is the origin of the name Ares?
Ares has Ancient Greek, Greek mythology, Greek, Contemporary, and American origins. In Ancient Greek, it means "bane, ruin, destruction". In Greek mythology, it means "god of war".
Is Ares a boy or girl name?
Ares is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #5677. As a boy name, it is ranked #295. Ares is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Ares?
Ares is pronounced AHRZ.
How popular is the name Ares?
Ares is currently ranked #5677 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Ares?
Common nicknames for Ares include Ari.
What are good middle names for Ares?
Popular middle name pairings include Ares Rose, Ares Grace, Ares Jane, Ares Mae, Ares Skye, and Ares Quinn.
What are good sibling names for Ares?
Names that pair well with Ares as siblings include Athena, Apollo, Zeus, Artemis, Orion, Iris, and Clio.
How many syllables does Ares have?
Ares has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Ares a common or rare name?
Ares is an uncommon name, ranked #5677 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Ares?
About the Name Ares
Ares is a girl name with Greek, Contemporary, and American origins . The name means "bane, ruin, destruction" in Ancient Greek .
Is Ares a boy or girl name? Ares is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #5,677 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #295. Ares is more commonly used as a boy name.
Ares is currently ranked #5,677 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Ares has 2 syllables and is pronounced AHRZ, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Ares include Ari. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Ares include Arely, Areli, Arelys, Arella . 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