Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Apollo

 Apollo is the name of a prominent Greek deity, the god of music, poetry, prophecy, archery and medicine (later to be associated with the sun and light). The origin of his name is uncertain, but the Greek Απολλων and is maybe related to an ancient, obsolete word meaning “to drive away” (as in evil). Or perhaps from the Proto-Indo-European root *apelo- meaning “strength” (Pok. 52). Still another theory suggests Apollo means “father light” (given his connection to the sun), while Plato’s 5th century BC work Cratylus (in which the meanings of names are debated) offers several more ideas from  “redemption” to “purification,” “truth and sincerity,” “master of archery,” “togetherness and harmony,” and “destruction.” In any case, Apollo was the son of Zeus and Leto and the twin brother of Artemis (goddess of the hunt, the moon and wild animals). He figures into several Greek mythologies; for instance, when he was four days old, Apollo slew the serpent Python and took possession of the Oracle at Delphi. He is also remembered for his obsessive love for Daphne who, after spurning him and fleeing from his mad pursuit, had herself turned into a laurel tree. For more information on Apollo, see literary references below.

All About the Baby Name – Apollo

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME APOLLO

The number Eight personality has everything to do with power, wealth and abundance. Somehow, this personality has been blessed on the material plane, but their authoritative and problem-solving traits provide evidence that their good fortunes are not just the luck of the lottery. They are well earned. This is the personality of CEOs and high-ranking military personnel. Eights are intensely active, hard-driving individuals. Success is only meaningful to them after a job well-done.  They are remarkable in their ability to see the larger picture right down to the smallest details, and organize a strategy around success. They then have the ability to direct a group around them toward any goal, and realize individual potential to get the most out of their team.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME APOLLO

 A well-known name, yes, but not one traditionally used as a personal name among English speakers. Interesting, though, Apollo just entered America’s Top 1000 list for the first time in 2013 (ranked #969 and given to just over 200 baby boys). Perhaps we can expect to see more of him. It does seem as if mythological names are being resurrected and dusted off for usage. No complaints here. In fact, such names are steeped in cultural tradition and historic significance. Plus, who doesn’t see their little boys as tiny godlike figures?

Quick Facts

ON APOLLO

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Greek

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

969

PRONUNCIATION:

ә-PAW-lo

SIMPLE MEANING:

Strength

Characteristics

OF APOLLO

Authoritative

Powerful

Tough

Tenacious

Wealthy

Problem-solver

Achiever

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Apollo

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME APOLLO

Apollo is probably the most significant god in Greek mythology, after Zeus. He and his twin sister, Artemis (the huntress) are the issue of Zeus and Leto. Zeus’ wife, Hera, angry to hear that Leto is pregnant by her husband, bans her to the island of Delos to give birth, which site is later sacred to Apollo. Apollo is credited with an amazing array of powers: he is the Delphic Oracle and the Sun God. He is the god of healing, of music, of archery, of light and of truth, among other designations. During the Trojan War, when Apollo believed he had been insulted by Agamemnon, he shot plague-infested arrows into the Greek camps, turning the tide of war and dramatically affecting its outcome. It was Apollo who guided the arrow that Paris shot at Achilles’ heel, mortally injuring him. In addition to all his feats, noble and otherwise, Apollo also found time for an amazing amount of love affairs – both with gods and mortals, with women and men – and sired legions of offspring. Busy as ever in modern times, Apollo daily pulls the sun across in the sky in his horse-drawn chariot.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME APOLLO

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Apollo


Popular Songs

ON APOLLO

Daphne and Apollo
a song by Nerina Pallot

Famous People

NAMED APOLLO

We cannot find any famous people with the first name Apollo.

Children of Famous People

NAMED APOLLO

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Apollo

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME APOLLO

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Apollo