Achille – Name Meaning
The name Achille is of French origin and is derived from the Greek name “Achilles”, which means “pain” or “sorrow”. It is a masculine given name that has been used since ancient times. The name was borne by the legendary hero of the Trojan War, Achilles, who was said to be invulnerable except for his heel.
History and Origin
The name Achille is believed to have originated in Ancient Greece, where it was first used as a given name for boys. It was derived from the Greek word “achos”, which means “pain” or “sorrow”. The name was popularized by Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad, which tells the story of the Trojan War and Achilles’ role in it.
In Roman mythology, Achilles was also known as the god of war. He was said to be invincible except for his heel, which ultimately led to his death during the Trojan War. This mythological figure has been an inspiration for many works of literature and art throughout history.
Popularity
The name Achille has been steadily increasing in popularity over the years. In France, it is currently ranked at number 5 on the list of most popular names for boys. In the United States, it is not as popular but still ranks at number 845 on the list of most popular names for boys.
Famous People Named Achille
There are several famous people who have borne this name throughout history. These include:
- Achilles, a legendary hero of the Trojan War
- Achille Fould (1810-1867), a French banker and politician
- Achille Varzi (1904-1948), an Italian race car driver
- Achille Castiglioni (1918-2002), an Italian industrial designer
Variations of the Name
The name Achille can also be spelled in various ways such as Akhilles, Akilis, Acheles and Achelis. There are also some variations in other languages such as Achillios (Greek) and Achileas (Italian).
