Draco

♂ Boy

Pronounced DRAY-koh /ˈdreɪ.koʊ/Low

Meaning: Dragon, serpent, one who watches keenlyLow

In 30 seconds: Draco is the ancient Greek and Latin name for dragon or serpent, from drakon meaning serpent or one who watches. It is also a constellation, a Spartan lawgiver, and one of Harry Potter's most complex characters.

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Origin LowGreek, Latin

MeaningDragon, serpent, one who watches keenly

U.S. rank (2025)#1733 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births94 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,422

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

Draco derives from the Greek drakon meaning serpent or dragon, connected to the verb meaning to see clearly or to watch. Draco the constellation is a large circumpolar constellation. The Athenian lawgiver Draco gave us the word draconian.

Draco has gained modern recognition through the Harry Potter character Draco Malfoy, a complex antagonist. Its ancient meaning of dragon and its connections to law, astronomy, and fiction make it a name of remarkable depth.

Did you know? Draco of Athens (circa 621 BCE) was the first written lawgiver of Athens. His laws were so harsh that we still call any extremely severe law draconian — so the name Draco has quite literally shaped the English language.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name: Draco

Variations

DrakeDraconDrakon

Nicknames

DrakeDray

Famous Bearers

★Draco Malfoy (fictional)
Complex antagonist in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series
★Draco (7th century BCE)
First written lawgiver of Athens whose harsh code gave us the word draconian

If you like Draco…

Drake— English short form of same dragon root

Orion— Two-syllable constellation name of same mythological feel

Phoenix— Mythological creature name of same bold energy

Domenico— shares the -co ending

Dion— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Draco

By themelatin greek two-syllable ancient

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Frequently Asked

What does Draco mean?

Draco means dragon or serpent in Greek, from drakon meaning serpent or one who watches keenly.

Who was Draco of Athens?

Draco was Athens's first written lawgiver around 621 BCE whose harsh laws gave us the English word draconian.

How do you pronounce Draco?

Draco is pronounced DRAY-koh with two syllables.

What names are similar to Draco?

Similar names include Drake, Orion, and Phoenix.