What Does the Name Apollo Mean?
Apollo is a boy's name of Greek origin meaning “uncertain; name of the Greek god of light, music, and prophecy.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Apollo |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Origin | Greek |
| Meaning | uncertain; name of the Greek god of light, music, and prophecy |
| Variants | Apollon, Apollos, Apolo |
| Popularity | A fast-rising boys' name in the U.S. in recent years, climbing into roughly the top 350 to 450; boosted by mythological and pop-culture associations. |
The meaning and origin of Apollo
The name Apollo means “uncertain; name of the Greek god of light, music, and prophecy” and has Greek origins. From the Greek god Apollon, deity of the sun, music, poetry, and healing; the underlying etymology of the god's name is debated and not securely known. As a modern given name it evokes strength and brilliance.
Variants and related names
Apollo is related to several other names you may recognize: Apollon, Apollos, Apolo. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Apollo?
A fast-rising boys' name in the U.S. in recent years, climbing into roughly the top 350 to 450; boosted by mythological and pop-culture associations.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Apollo mean?+
The name Apollo means “uncertain; name of the Greek god of light, music, and prophecy” and is of Greek origin.
What is the origin of the name Apollo?+
Apollo originates from Greek.
Is Apollo a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Apollo has trended in the US over time.
Apollo by gender
More boy's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press