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Home › Baby Names Directory › Perseus

Perseus

♂ Boy

Pronounced PUR-see-us /ˈpɜːr.si.əs/Low

Meaning: Destroyer, avenger; the hero-slayerLow

In 30 seconds: Perseus is the name of one of Greek mythology's greatest heroes, the son of Zeus and Danae who slew the Gorgon Medusa, rescued Andromeda from a sea monster, and founded the city of Mycenae. A name of mythological grandeur.
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Origin LowGreek
MeaningDestroyer, avenger; the hero-slayer
U.S. rank (2025)#1210 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births168 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,388

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519832025

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

Perseus is the hero of Greek mythology who killed Medusa with the help of the gods, rescued Andromeda, and founded the Greek kingdom of Mycenae. His name's meaning is uncertain but possibly connected to the Greek perthein meaning to destroy.

Perseus is a bold, ancient name used by parents who want maximum mythological grandeur. It has three syllables and an epic trajectory of heroic deeds that make it one of mythology's most appealing names.

Did you know? Perseus used Medusa's head strategically after slaying her — its power to turn living things to stone becoming his ultimate weapon. He used it to rescue Andromeda and defeat the sea monster, then placed Medusa's head on Athena's shield, the Aegis.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: Perseus

Variations

PerseoPerseu

Nicknames

PercyPer

Famous Bearers

  • ★Perseus (mythological)
    Greek hero who beheaded Medusa and rescued Andromeda; son of Zeus and Danae, founder of Mycenae

If you like Perseus…

Achilles— Greatest Greek warrior of same Homeric tradition
Orion— Greek hunter constellation name of same ancient grandeur
Lazarus— a similarly popular pick
Atticus— lands in the same popularity range
Atreus— shares Perseus's Greek roots

Explore names like Perseus

By themegreekthree-syllablemythologyepichero

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Frequently Asked

What does Perseus mean?

Perseus's meaning is uncertain but possibly means destroyer in Ancient Greek. He was the hero who slew Medusa and rescued Andromeda.

Who was Perseus?

Perseus was a Greek hero, son of Zeus and Danae, who killed the Gorgon Medusa, rescued Andromeda from a sea monster, and founded Mycenae.

How do you pronounce Perseus?

Perseus is pronounced PUR-see-us with three syllables.

What names are similar to Perseus?

Similar epic names include Achilles, Hercules, Theseus, and Orion.

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