Apollo
Apollo Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ə.ˈpɑl.oʊ/
Meaning of Apollo: Apollo comes from the Greek Ἀπόλλων (Apollon), whose etymology remains debated. Leading theories connect it to an Indo-European root *apelo- meaning “strength” or to an Anatolian word for “father light.” In. His cult centres at Delphi and Delos shaped ancient civilisation.
Apollo also works well internationally, recognised in virtually every European language with minimal spelling changes. Apollo reached No. NASA’s Apollo programme (1961 - 1972) gave the name a space-age resonance. More in recent years, the Rocky franchise character Apollo Creed made it feel athletic and bold.
389 in 2022 with 820 births. In 2024 it sits at No. 414 with 776 births, holding near its peak.
What Does Apollo Mean? Origin & Etymology
Notably, the name saw a 340 percent increase in US usage between 2015 and 2022, driven by celebrity naming choices including Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale’s son Apollo Bowie Flynn (born 2014). See the SSA rankings database for year-by-year detail.
Furthermore, regional distribution shows strongest adoption in California, New York, and Florida, where entertainment-industry naming trends spread fastest. The name ranks inside the top 300 in 14 states and outside the top 500 in only 8 states as of 2024.
The key finding here is mythological durability: unlike most Greek god names, Apollo retains its exact spelling across English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. Therefore parents choosing Apollo gain international portability without the spelling variance that affects names like Alexander or Nicholas.
How Popular Is Apollo?
Numerology & Symbolism of Apollo
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Apollo – Similar Names & Alternatives
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity
Frequently Asked Questions about Apollo
What does the name Apollo mean?
Apollo derives from Greek roots. The name ranked #414 in the US in 2024, with 776 boys receiving it that year.
Where does the name Apollo come from?
Apollo originates from Greek. The name spread through European migration and cultural contact, carrying its original meaning into new contexts. It ranked #414 in 2024 in the US.
Is Apollo a popular name?
Apollo ranked #414 among US boys’ names in 2024, with 776 births recorded by the SSA. The name peaked at #414 in 2024. It has maintained a consistent presence in the US top 1000 for several decades.
What are some variants of Apollo?
Variants of Apollo include Apolloe. These spelling forms appear across different languages and traditions, preserving the name’s core sound and meaning.