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Athanasius

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Athanasius Pronunciation

Athanasius is pronounced ath-ə-NAY-shəs /ˌæθ.əˈneɪ.ʃəs/Medium

Meaning: From Greek Athanasios — a-, 'not', plus thanatos, 'death' — 'immortal, undying'High

In 30 seconds: Undying and saintly: Athanasius means 'immortal' — borne by the great Church Father St. Athanasius. Grand, classical, and devout.

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Origin HighGreek

MeaningFrom Greek Athanasios — a-, 'not', plus thanatos, 'death' — 'immortal, undying'

U.S. rank (2024)#4189 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births25 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 240

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Athanasius comes from Greek Athanasios — a-, 'not', plus thanatos, 'death' — 'immortal, undying'. Borne by St. Athanasius of Alexandria, a foundational Church Father, it's grand and devout.

In the U.S. it appears in Greek and Orthodox families. Rare, immortal at the root, and saintly.

Did you know? St. Athanasius of Alexandria, a towering Church Father, defended core Christian doctrine against great odds ('Athanasius against the world') — his name means 'immortal'.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Athanasios — etymology

Variations

AthanasiosAtanasioAthanase

Nicknames

ThanosNasos

Famous Bearers

★St. Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 296–373)
Church Father and theologian.

If you like Athanasius…

Ambrose— a fellow Church-Father name

Augustine— another saintly classical name

Demetrius— shares the -us ending

Theophilus— shares the -us ending

Odysseus— shares the -us ending

→ See all names like Athanasius

Browse the whole category: All Greek names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Athanasius?

Athanasius is pronounced ath-ə-NAY-shəs (/ˌæθ.əˈneɪ.ʃəs/). Press play above to hear Athanasius said aloud.

How do you say Athanasius?

Athanasius is said ath-ə-NAY-shəs (/ˌæθ.əˈneɪ.ʃəs/). Press play above to hear Athanasius said aloud.

What does the name Athanasius mean?

Athanasius is Greek for 'immortal, undying'.

Is Athanasius a boy or girl name?

Athanasius is a boy's name.

How popular is Athanasius?

Athanasius is a rare name in the U.S.