Periklis

Origin

Greek, from Περίκλης (Periklēs), composed of 'peri' meaning 'around' and 'kleos' meaning 'glory' or 'fame'. The name Periklis is historically associated with Pericles, the prominent and influential Greek statesman and orator of Athens during its Golden Age. In ancient Greek texts, notably Thucydides' 'History of the Peloponnesian War', Pericles is celebrated for his leadership and vision. There is no direct Aboriginal or Māori origin for this name.

Meaning

'Around glory' or 'surrounded by fame'. In the Australian context, it connotes a sense of leadership and celebrated reputation, commonly associated with notable historical figures.

Pronunciation

/ˈpɛrɪklɪs/ in Australian English, with emphasis on the first syllable as per Greek pronunciation, vowels as in 'pet' and 'kit' respectively, and ending softly.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 9 September (Celebration of Saint Perigrine, sometimes linked to the name Periklis through cultural adaptation)
• 23 November (Feast of Saint Clement, associated with fame and recognition in some Christian traditions) in Australian Catholic calendar.
• Māori Matariki (11-13 July, marking the Māori New Year, a time of reflection and community celebration, culturally significant but not directly related to the name).

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with periklis:

• Alexander and Periklis
• Dimitrios and Periklis
• Liam and Periklis

Fun Facts

• The name Periklis is uncommon in Australia but has been adopted by Greek-Australian communities, especially in Melbourne and Sydney.
• Periklis can sometimes be shortened colloquially to 'Peri' or 'Klis' in casual usage.
• There are no known Australian sports or cultural icons named Periklis, making it a rare and distinctive choice.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name periklis:

• Leadership
• Bravery
• Ambition
• Honor

Aesthetic Qualities

The name carries a distinguished, timeless aesthetic, blending classical European heritage with a strong, memorable appearance in written and spoken form.

Geographical Distribution

Predominantly found in metropolitan Greek-Australian populations, especially Melbourne and Sydney, with traditional usage gradually spreading to broader multicultural families.

Numerological Significance

Name number 1 (derived from Pythagorean calculations), indicating leadership, independence, and pioneering spirit, fitting for a name tied to historical figures of influence.

Astrological Connections

Connected loosely with Scorpio, embodying traits of intensity and leadership, aligning with the historical Pericles' charismatic and strategic qualities.

Historical Context

Periklis is linked to Pericles, the celebrated Athenian statesman known for his influence on democracy and arts in ancient Greece. In Australia, the name is mainly embraced by Greek-Australian communities, honouring historical and cultural roots.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts easily into English contexts, with 'Pericles' being the most common international variant, maintaining its classical dignity and pronunciation.

Famous People Named periklis

• Periklis Papoulidis (Academic)
• Periklis G (Artist) in Greek-Australian circles.
• The name has seen occasional revival in classical music and arts circles in Australian multicultural festivals.

Popularity in Australia