Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Aristotle

Aristotle

♂ Boy

Pronounced AIR-ih-stot-əl /ˈɛr.ɪ.stɑt.əl/High

Meaning: From Greek Aristoteles — aristos, 'best', plus telos, 'purpose, aim' — 'the best purpose'High

In 30 seconds: The best purpose: Aristotle is the name of antiquity's greatest philosopher — 'best aim'. Grand, intellectual, and historic (tycoon Aristotle Onassis too).
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighGreek
MeaningFrom Greek Aristoteles — aristos, 'best', plus telos, 'purpose, aim' — 'the best purpose'
U.S. rank (2025)#5223 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births18 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2001
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,017

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201619252025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Aristotle comes from Greek Aristoteles — aristos, 'best', plus telos, 'purpose, aim' — 'the best purpose'. Borne by the foundational philosopher and the shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis, it's grand and intellectual.

In the U.S. it appears in Greek families. Rare, best-purpose at the root, and historic.

Did you know? Aristotle, the great philosopher and Alexander the Great's tutor, has a name meaning 'the best purpose' — aristos, 'best', plus telos, 'aim'.
Overall data confidence 85%
Behind the Name — Aristotle — etymology

Variations

AristotelesTelly

Nicknames

AriTelly

Famous Bearers

  • ★Aristotle (384-322)
    Ancient Greek philosopher and polymath who founded formal logic and studied nearly every field of knowledge
  • ★Aristotle Onassis (1906-1975)
    Greek shipping magnate and one of the wealthiest people of the 20th century
  • ★Aristotle Baloyi (1972-)
    South African boxer who held the IBF light welterweight world championship

If you like Aristotle…

Alexander— the king he tutored
Atticus— another classical name
Alexandro— a fellow Greek choice
Artemio— a fellow Greek choice
Alexandros— a fellow Greek choice

Explore names like Aristotle

By themegreekclassicalhistoric

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Aristotle mean?

Aristotle is Greek for 'the best purpose' — aristos, 'best', plus telos, 'aim'.

How do you pronounce Aristotle?

It's said AIR-ih-stot-əl /ˈɛr.ɪ.stɑt.əl/ — four syllables, stress on the first.

Is Aristotle a boy or girl name?

Aristotle is a boy's name.

How popular is Aristotle?

Aristotle is a rare name in the U.S.

💬 Ask Nia