Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Apollo
BoyGreek
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- uh-PAH-loh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #445
- US babies 2025
- 708
- Best rank
- #389 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Apollo
Apollo is usually linked to Greek roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
Apollo was one of the most important Greek gods, associated with music, poetry, prophecy, healing and the sun. The origin of his name is uncertain; scholars have suggested links to words for assembly or to destroy, but none is conclusive. The Romans adopted Apollo under the same name. The NASA space program that landed astronauts on the Moon took his name. As a given name, Apollo is bold and striking, and it has grown in popularity. It pairs well with simple middle names.
Popularity over time
Apollo first appears in US Social Security records in 1965. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 14 different years, starting in 2012. Its best national rank was #389 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 820 babies. In 2025, 708 babies were named Apollo, and it ranked #445 nationally. That is 119% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #2,218 in 1980, #4,801 in 2000, #1,241 in 2010, and #445 in 2025. Of the 9,000 US boys named Apollo since records began, 50% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 3,445 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Royce, Kashton, Finnegan, Zayne, and Alijah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Apollo ranked highest in Nevada, Nebraska, and Massachusetts.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | #201 | 15 |
| Nebraska | #266 | 9 |
| Massachusetts | #298 | 19 |
| Colorado | #307 | 21 |
| Washington | #310 | 24 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Apollo is usually pronounced uh-PAH-loh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-lo”.
Middle names for Apollo
A few middle names that flow with Apollo: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Apollo
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Lists that include Apollo
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Apollo mean?
Apollo is usually linked to Greek roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Apollo?
Apollo has Greek roots. Apollo was one of the most important Greek gods, associated with music, poetry, prophecy, healing and the sun.
Is Apollo a popular name?
Yes. Apollo ranked #445 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Apollo a boy or girl name?
Apollo is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Apollo?
Apollo is usually pronounced uh-PAH-loh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings