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Apollo

♂ Boy

Pronounced uh-POL-oh /əˈpɒl.oʊ/High

Meaning: Name of the Greek god of the sun, music, poetry, and prophecy; exact meaning uncertain, possibly related to strength or destructionMedium

In 30 seconds: Bold and mythological, Apollo is the name of the Greek god of the sun, music, and poetry. Once considered untouchable as a first name, it has climbed into the U.S. top 500.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningName of the Greek god of the sun, music, poetry, and prophecy; exact meaning uncertain, possibly related to strength or destruction
U.S. rank (2025)#445 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births708 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 8,990

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202219652025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Apollo is the Latin form of the Greek Apollon, whose etymology remains genuinely debated among scholars. Some connect it to Greek apollymi (to destroy), others to apella (assembly), and still others suggest non-Greek origins. Apollo was one of the twelve Olympians, the god of the sun, light, music, poetry, art, prophecy, truth, and healing.

As a given name, Apollo was rare in English-speaking countries until the late 20th century, when mythological names began their modern revival. The NASA Apollo program gave it a heroic, forward-looking dimension. Today it ranks in the U.S. top 500 boys' names and continues to climb.

Did you know? The Apollo space program (1961–1972), which landed humans on the moon, borrowed its name from the god — making Apollo one of the few names with a footprint in both mythology and space history.
Overall data confidence 80%
Behind the Name — Apollo — etymology and mythologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ApollonApollos

Nicknames

PolPollo

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Apollo…

Atlas— same bold Greek mythological name with a strong, single-word feel
Orion— another striking mythological name riding the same trend
Zeus— equally powerful Greek deity name for the boldest of choices
Ares— shares the mythological gravitas and strong, punchy sound

Frequently Asked

What does the name Apollo mean?

Apollo is the name of the ancient Greek god of the sun, music, and poetry. The name's exact etymology is debated but may relate to strength or destruction.

How do you pronounce Apollo?

It is said uh-POL-oh /əˈpɒl.oʊ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Apollo a boy or girl name?

Apollo is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Apollo?

Apollo has climbed into the U.S. top 500 boys' names and ranked around #445 in 2025.