Atlas
/á.tlaːs/
Atlas is a name of Greek mythological origin, derived from the Ancient Greek Atlas, which is connected to the verb tlao, meaning “to carry” or “to endure.” In Greek mythology, Atlas was a Titan condemned by Zeus to hold up the heavens on his shoulders
for eternity, making the name synonymous with strength and endurance.
The name gained renewed cultural traction in the 21st century, entering the US Social Security Administration top 1,000 names for boys around 2015.
What the name Atlas means
Its rise reflects a broader trend toward mythological and nature-adjacent names that carry a sense of scale and grandeur.
Atlas appears across many European languages with minimal variation: Atlas in Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Italian. The name is phonetically accessible across linguistic boundaries, contributing to its international appeal.
In cartography, the word “atlas” has referred to a bound collection of maps since at least the 16th century, when the Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator used the Titan’s image on the cover of his 1595 map collection.
In the United States, Atlas ranked among the top 200 boys’ names by 2022, a significant climb from near-obscurity a decade earlier.
The name has been chosen by several public figures for their children, which accelerated its visibility. Its 3 syllables and clear stress on the first syllable give it a strong phonetic profile that pairs well with many surnames.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Atlas
Atlas - similar names
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