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Athanasius

♂ Boy

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 (2025)#5053 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births19 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 259

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

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

Explore names like Athanasius

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By meaningEternal

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Athanasius mean?

Athanasius is Greek for 'immortal, undying'.

How do you pronounce Athanasius?

It's said ath-ə-NAY-shəs /ˌæθ.əˈneɪ.ʃəs/ — four syllables, stress on the third.

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.