Ares

BoyGreek

Meaning
uncertain (origin disputed)
Origin
Greek
Pronunciation
AIR-eez
Syllables
1
US rank 2025
#290
US babies 2025
1,157
Best rank
#290 (2025)
Peak year
2025

Meaning and origin of Ares

Ares is usually linked to Greek roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.

Ares was the Greek god of war, known for his aggressive nature, and the Romans identified him with Mars. The origin of his name is uncertain; it may be linked to an old Greek word for ruin or battle. Ares is a son of Zeus and Hera in Greek myth. As a given name, Ares has recently grown in popularity, part of a trend for bold mythological names. It feels strong and dramatic. The name pairs well with classic middle names.

Popularity over time

03757501.1k1.5k1990200020102020Peak 2025: 1,157
US babies named Ares per year, 1880 to 2025

Ares first appears in US Social Security records in 1983. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 13 different years, starting in 2013. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #290, and its highest count, 1,157 babies. Use has grown 239% in ten years.

Its national rank moved from #4,593 in 2000, #1,482 in 2010, and #290 in 2025. Of the 8,284 US boys named Ares since records began, 57% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 3,018 babies.

Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Kohen, Sonny, Zyaire, Archie, and Romeo.

Where it is most popular (2025)

In 2025, Ares ranked highest in New Mexico, Nevada, and Florida.

StateRank thereBabies
New Mexico#13414
Nevada#14122
Florida#201109
Rhode Island#2015
Arizona#20341

Gender, sound and spelling

About 96% of US babies named Ares over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.

Ares is usually pronounced AIR-eez, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with A and ends in “-es”.

Middle names for Ares

A few middle names that flow with Ares: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.

Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
John Boy
JAHN
“Yahweh is gracious” · Hebrew
#23
Jack Boy
JAK
“Yahweh is gracious” · English
#15
Leo Boy
LEE-oh
“lion” · Latin
#19
Rowan Unisex
ROH-uhn
“little red one; rowan tree” · Irish
#59

Sibling names for Ares

Similar names

Rhodes Boy
ROHDZ
“from the Greek island; often linked to roses” · Greek
#575
Jayce Boy
JAYS
“modern short form of Jason” · American (modern coinage)
#167
Phoenix Unisex
FEE-niks
“mythical firebird; dark red” · Greek
#329
Jase Boy
JAYS
“to heal; short form of Jason” · English
#717
Orion Boy
oh-RY-uhn
“name of a mythological hunter” · Greek
#334
Apollo Boy
uh-PAH-loh
Greek
#445
Andres Boy
ahn-DREHS
“manly, brave” · Spanish
#200
Atlas Boy
AT-luhs
“possibly to bear, to endure” · Greek
#75
Hayes Boy
HAYZ
“hedged enclosure” · English
#162
Titan Boy
TY-tuhn
“one of the Titans, elder gods” · Greek
#1,295
Ulysses Boy
yoo-LIH-seez
“Latin form of Odysseus; meaning uncertain” · Latin
#1,201
Jones Boy
JOHNZ
“son of John” · Welsh
#811

Lists that include Ares

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Ares mean?

Ares is usually linked to Greek roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.

What is the origin of the name Ares?

Ares has Greek roots. Ares was the Greek god of war, known for his aggressive nature, and the Romans identified him with Mars.

Is Ares a popular name?

Yes. Ares ranked #290 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.

Is Ares a boy or girl name?

Ares is mainly a boy's name. About 96% of US babies named Ares over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.

How do you pronounce Ares?

Ares is usually pronounced AIR-eez. 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