Origin
Ancient Greek origin, from Ἀχιλλεύς (Achilleús), possibly derived from ἀ- (a-, 'without') and χηλή (kēlē, 'lip' or 'edge'), or from ἀχος (akhos, 'distress'). In Greek mythology, Achilles was a hero of the Trojan War, known for his strength and martial prowess; the myth appears in Homer's 'Iliad'. The name has no direct Aboriginal or Māori roots but has been adopted in Western cultures worldwide.
Meaning
'River of pain' or 'lipless' depending on etymological interpretation. In Australian English contexts, it evokes mythic heroism, bravery, and strength.
Pronunciation
/əˈkɪliːz/ (uh-KIL-eez) — emphasis on second syllable, with a long 'ee' sound in the final syllable, consistent with English pronunciation in Australia.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Achilleus (ancient Greek)
- Achille (French influence)
- Achiles (less common),
Nicknames
- Achillesy
- Achi
Name Days
- 19 November (Feast of Saint Achilles, recognised in some Orthodox calendars)
- 22 November (Western Christian commemorations)
- Achilles-related cultural festivals are not traditional in Australian Indigenous cultures, but the name is often used in literary and pop culture references.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with achilles:
- Alexandria and Achilles
- Benjamin and Achilles
- Ella and Achilles
Fun Facts
- The name Achilles appears in Australian literature and pop culture, symbolising heroism and strength.
- Australian sports teams or clubs have occasionally adopted the name in homage to legendary figures.
- The ancient Greek hero's story has inspired Australian drama and theatre productions.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name achilles:
- Brave
- Strong-willed
- Heroic
- Loyal
- Competitive
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a classical, heroic aesthetic, with strong visual and typographic presence in English typography, often associated with strength and nobility.
Geographical Distribution
Achilles does not have a regional prevalence in Australia, but it is more likely to be used in urban or academic settings associated with classical studies, arts, or literature enthusiasts.
Numerological Significance
In numerology, the name Achilles reduces to 9, which is associated with humanitarianism, compassion, and universal understanding. Its astrological influence is connected with Mars, symbolising energy, courage, and action.
Astrological Connections
Associated with Mars, the planet of war and energy, fitting the mythic qualities of the hero. Names or birth dates linked to Aries or Scorpio signs might be seen as intuitively aligned with the name's attributes.
Historical Context
The name gained popularity in Western literature through the mythological hero, especially in classical Greek art and later in European Renaissance adaptations. It has appeared in Australian literary references, notably in academic texts about classical mythology and historical literature.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name is easily adapted across languages with roots in Greek, although in Australian English it is primarily used in its anglicised form. Variants may be influenced by French or Greek spellings.
Famous People Named achilles
- Achilles (Mythological Hero) — central figure in Greek mythology
- Achilles Acknowledged (Australian novelist)
- Achilles Acs (Fictional character in Australian literature)
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2014 | 2 |