"to carry, to endure"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Atlas
Pronunciation: [ ATL-uhs ]
Boy Name
#101 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
The Titan who holds up the world, now holding up in the charts
Greek
American
European
Strong
Bold
Modern
Sophisticated
Literary
Meaning & Origin
"titan who bore the heavens"
Origin: Greek Mythology
Language: Greek
"to carry, to endure"
Origin: Ancient Greek tlao
Language: Greek
"he who carries the heavens"
Origin: Greek mythology
Language: Greek
The Story of Atlas
Atlas comes from the Ancient Greek verb tlao meaning to carry or to endure, with the prefix a- intensifying the meaning. In Greek mythology, Atlas was a Titan condemned by Zeus to hold up the celestial heavens on his shoulders for eternity after the Titans lost their war with the Olympian gods. His name became synonymous with strength and endurance. Gerardus Mercator first used Atlas as the title for a bound collection of maps in 1595.
Atlas has been rising rapidly in the US since 2010, driven by a broader trend toward mythology-inspired names like Orion, Titan, and Phoenix. It entered the top 100 for boys around 2020 and continues climbing as parents seek powerful names that evoke strength and global worldliness.
Atlas carries enormous cultural resonance as both a mythological figure and a universal symbol of strength and knowledge. Every atlas book of maps takes its name from this Titan, connecting the name to geography, exploration, and human knowledge. Ayn Rands Atlas Shrugged added philosophical weight.
Fun Facts
- Every book of maps called an atlas takes its name from the myth of Atlas holding the heavens
- Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (1957) is one of the most influential novels in American libertarian thought
- Elon Musk and Talulah Riley named their twin sons Griffin and Xavier; Atlas is used by other celebrities
Atlas in Other Languages
Greek
Atlas
Latin
Atlas
French
Atlas
Italian
Atlante
Spanish
Atlas
Portuguese
Atlante
Famous People Named Atlas
A
Atlas Genius
Musician
1985
Australian indie rock band whose name evokes the grandeur and epic scope associated with the mythological figure
C
Charles Atlas
Athlete
1892
Italian-American bodybuilder who built a mail-order fitness empire, known as the most perfectly developed man
A
Atlas Shrugged
Writer
The central character of Ayn Rand's 1957 novel who represents the ideal of individual strength and perseverance
A
Atlas (Greek Titan) Fictional
Other
Titan of Greek mythology condemned to hold up the celestial heavens, symbol of strength and endurance
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #101
- Total SSA Count
- 3,417
- Cultural Origins
- Greek American European
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Nicknames
Atl
Aty
Atlie
Pairs Well With
Atlas James
Atlas Cole
Atlas Reed
Atlas Grey
Atlas Beckett
Atlas Nash
Atlas Quinn
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Atlas is also used as a girl name, ranked #1422.
View Atlas as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Atlas
What does the name Atlas mean?
"to carry, to endure" (from Greek). "titan who bore the heavens" (from Greek Mythology). "to carry, to endure" (from Ancient Greek tlao). "he who carries the heavens" (from Greek mythology). Atlas comes from the Ancient Greek verb tlao meaning to carry or to endure, with the prefix a- intensifying the meaning. In Greek mythology, Atlas was a Titan condemned by Zeus to hold up the celestial heavens on his shoulders for eternity after the Titans lost their war with the Olympian gods. His name became synonymous with strength and endurance. Gerardus Mercator first used Atlas as the title for a bound collection of maps in 1595.
What is the origin of the name Atlas?
Atlas has Greek, Greek Mythology, Ancient Greek tlao, Greek mythology, American, and European origins. In Greek, it means "to carry, to endure". In Greek Mythology, it means "titan who bore the heavens". In Ancient Greek tlao, it means "to carry, to endure". In Greek mythology, it means "he who carries the heavens".
Is Atlas a boy or girl name?
Atlas is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #101. As a girl name, it is ranked #1422. Atlas is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Atlas?
Atlas is pronounced ATL-uhs.
How popular is the name Atlas?
Atlas is currently ranked #101 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Atlas?
Common nicknames for Atlas include Atl, Aty, and Atlie.
What are good middle names for Atlas?
Popular middle name pairings include Atlas James, Atlas Cole, Atlas Reed, Atlas Grey, Atlas Beckett, Atlas Nash, and Atlas Quinn.
What are good sibling names for Atlas?
Names that pair well with Atlas as siblings include Orion, Titan, Zephyr, Luna, Athena, Iris, and Phoenix.
How many syllables does Atlas have?
Atlas has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Atlas a common or rare name?
Atlas is a popular name, ranked #101 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Atlas
Atlas is a boy name with Greek, American, and European origins . The name means "to carry, to endure" in Greek .
Is Atlas a boy or girl name? Atlas is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #101 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,422. Atlas is more commonly used as a boy name.
Atlas is currently ranked #101 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Atlas has 2 syllables and is pronounced ATL-uhs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Atlas include Atl, Aty, and Atlie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.