Adrastos
Adrastos Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/á.draːs.tos/
Meaning of Adrastos: Adrastos is an ancient Greek masculine name derived from the adjective adrastēs, composed of the prefix a- (not) and diadraskō (to flee), with the meaning “not inclined to run away,” “steadfast,” or “the one who does not flee.” In Greek heroic tradition, the name implies courage and resolution.
The Latinized form is Adrastus, which appears in most Latin and English texts dealing with Greek mythology.
The most significant mythological bearer is Adrastos, King of Argos, who played a central role in two of the great mythological war cycles.
What Does Adrastos Mean? Origin & Etymology
He led the expedition of the Seven Against Thebes—a failed assault on Thebes in which all seven leaders except Adrastos were killed—and later led the Epigoni (the sons of the Seven) in a successful second expedition.
Adrastos is the only survivor of the first campaign, which forms the subject of Aeschylus’s Seven Against Thebes and Euripides’s The Suppliants. His daughter Argeia married Polynices, triggering the conflict.
Adrastos is an archaic given name not found in modern use. It belongs to the category of ancient Greek names—Achilles, Patroclus, Agamemnon—that appear in classical texts but have not survived as living names in any Greek or Western tradition.
The name is of interest primarily to scholars of classical Greek mythology and onomastics. The related feminine forms Adrasteia and Adrastea have minor usage today due to their connection to Zeus’s mythological nurse and to a Jovian moon.
Further reading: etymology records and US popularity records from SSA.
Numerology & Symbolism of Adrastos
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Adrastos – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Adrastos
What does Adrastos mean?
Adrastos is Greek 'not inclined to run away' meaning to run away; This was the name of a king of Argos in Greek legend..
How popular is Adrastos?
Adrastos is rarely used in the United States but maintains its standing in Greek Mythology. SSA records show no significant US ranking for this name.
How do you pronounce Adrastos?
Adrastos is pronounced /á.draːs.tos/. The name originates in Greek Mythology tradition.
What are variants of Adrastos?
Adrastos has no widely established international variants and remains primarily used within Greek Mythology tradition.