"legendary king of Phrygia, golden touch"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Midas
Pronunciation: [ m-EYED-uhs ]
Boy Name
#3,927 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
The mythological king with the legendary golden touch
Greek
American
English
Mythological
Bold
Strong
Unique
Meaning & Origin
"king, ruler"
Origin: Phrygian
Language: Greek
Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with the Midas touch myth — a blessing that becomes a curse, turning everything including loved ones to gold
The Story of Midas
Midas was a legendary king of Phrygia in ancient Greek mythology, best known for his golden touch — the ability to turn everything he touched to gold, a gift granted by Dionysus that became a terrible curse. The name's exact etymology is debated; it may derive from a Phrygian or pre-Greek word, possibly related to a root meaning king or seed. In modern use, the name evokes wealth, mythology, and a certain golden grandeur that makes it distinctive among classical names.
Midas has gained traction alongside the mythological name trend that brought Atlas, Orion, and Apollo into the mainstream. As parents look beyond the most popular Greek names, Midas offers a dramatic backstory and strong sound that appeals to those seeking bold, unconventional choices.
The phrase Midas touch remains in modern English to describe exceptional financial success. In Greek mythology, Midas also appears in the story of Pan versus Apollo, where his poor musical judgment caused Dionysus to give him donkey ears — adding layers to this rich mythological figure.
Fun Facts
- King Midas appears in both Greek and Roman mythology with slightly different versions of the golden touch story
- The Midas touch idiom has been in English use since at least the 16th century
- Phrygia, Midas's kingdom, was located in what is now central Turkey
Midas in Other Languages
Greek
Μίδας
Latin
Midas
French
Midas
Italian
Mida
Spanish
Midas
Famous People Named Midas
K
King Midas Fictional
Other
Legendary king of Phrygia in Greek mythology, famous for the golden touch granted by Dionysus that turned everything he ...
Legendary king of Phrygia in Greek mythology, famous for the golden touch granted by Dionysus that turned everything he touched to gold
M
Midas (Marvel Comics) Fictional
Other
Fictional villain in Marvel Comics universe with gold-related powers
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,927
- Total SSA Count
- 28
- Cultural Origins
- Greek American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Nicknames
Mid
Miy
Midie
Pairs Well With
Midas Alexander
Midas James
Midas Cole
Midas Reign
Midas Theodore
Midas Arthur
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Same Origin Names (Greek)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Midas
What does the name Midas mean?
"legendary king of Phrygia, golden touch" (from Greek). "king, ruler" (from Phrygian). Midas was a legendary king of Phrygia in ancient Greek mythology, best known for his golden touch — the ability to turn everything he touched to gold, a gift granted by Dionysus that became a terrible curse. The name's exact etymology is debated; it may derive from a Phrygian or pre-Greek word, possibly related to a root meaning king or seed. In modern use, the name evokes wealth, mythology, and a certain golden grandeur that makes it distinctive among classical names.
What is the origin of the name Midas?
Midas has Greek, Phrygian, American, and English origins. In Greek, it means "legendary king of Phrygia, golden touch". In Phrygian, it means "king, ruler".
Is Midas a boy or girl name?
Midas is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Midas?
Midas is pronounced m-EYED-uhs.
How popular is the name Midas?
Midas is currently ranked #3927 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Midas?
Common nicknames for Midas include Mid, Miy, and Midie.
What are good middle names for Midas?
Popular middle name pairings include Midas Alexander, Midas James, Midas Cole, Midas Reign, Midas Theodore, and Midas Arthur.
What are good sibling names for Midas?
Names that pair well with Midas as siblings include Atlas, Zeus, Orion, Apollo, Athena, Lyra, and Calliope.
How many syllables does Midas have?
Midas has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Midas a common or rare name?
Midas is an uncommon name, ranked #3927 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Midas
Midas is a boy name with Greek, American, and English origins . The name means "legendary king of Phrygia, golden touch" in Greek .
Midas is currently ranked #3,927 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Midas has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-EYED-uhs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Midas include Mid, Miy, and Midie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.