Achilles

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Achilles

Gender: Masculine
Language: English
Etymology:
Achilles is the English form (from the French Achille) of Akhilleus, a name from Greek mythology (specifically the Trojan war) and may mean “Without Lips” or from the River Akheloös.

History:
Although the story of Troy was a popular one during the Middle Ages, Achilles was not a favorite character and the name was rare (except in France where Achille is more common due to a St. Achilleus). It caught on among German nobility after the Renaissance. It is a rare name among English speakers.

Pronunciation: ah-kill-eez.

Alternates:
French: Achille.
Italian: Achilleo.
Portuguese: Aquiles.
Spanish: Aquiles.

Famous Bearers:
Artists and Authors:
Achilles Tatius (2nd century)
Greek writer.

Educators, Scholar, and Social Workers:
Achille Brook (1846-1908)
French historian.

Fictional Characters:
Achilles
A Grecian hero of the Trojan war. He was nearly invincible, expect on his heal.

Military:
Achille Bazaine (1811-1888)
French soldier.

Political Figures:
Achille Fould (1800-1867)
French statesman.

Religious Figures:
St. Achilleus (1st century)
A Roman soldier martyr.
St. Achillas (?-313)
An early bishop of Alexandria, Egypt.
St. Achillas (?-330)
An early bishop of Larissa in Thessaly, Greece.
St. Achillas (4th century)
An Egyptian hermit.
St. Achilleus Kewanuka (?-1886)
A saint of Uganda.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
less than 0.004 % named Achilles, Aquiles, etc.

Popularity of Achilles:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-2000: N/A

Popularity of Aquiles:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-2000: N/A