Atreus
/a.trěu̯s/
Atreus derives from the Greek negative prefix α (a-) combined with τρέω (treo, “to tremble”), producing the meaning “fearless” or “without fear.”
In Greek mythology, Atreus was a king of Mycenae and father of Agamemnon and Menelaus. His family’s tragic saga, known as the curse of the House of Atreus, is central to Greek drama.
Atreus peaked at No. 457 in 2023 with 673 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 494 with 622 births, slightly off its recent high.
What the name Atreus means
The video game God of War (2018) features Atreus as the son of protagonist Kratos. This single cultural reference is the primary driver of the name’s modern popularity.
Three syllables - AY-tree-us - have a heroic, ancient cadence. The aspirated middle syllable and Latin-sounding ending project mythological grandeur.
Gaming-inspired names are increasingly entering the mainstream. Atreus joins Kratos and Raiden as names drawn from beloved game franchises.
Whether Atreus sustains its position depends on future God of War instalments and the broader appetite for Greek mythology names among parents.
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 Atreus
Atreus - similar names
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity