NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Apolo

What is the origin of the name Apolo?

The name Apollo is of Greek origin. In Greek mythology, Apollo was a major god, known as the god of music, poetry, art, prophecy, and more. He was the son of Zeus (the king of the gods) and Leto. The name is derived from the Greek word "apellō", which means "to destroy" or "to strike". However, in a mythological context, Apollo's name is believed to have originated from the verb "apollumi", meaning "to destroy, perish or vanish", referring to his role as a god associated with light and the sun, and thus destruction of darkness.

Learn more about the origin of the name Apolo

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Apolo

The name Apollo is of Greek origin, stemming from ancient Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Apollo was the god of light, the sun, music, poetry, art, and prophecy. He was also the twin brother of Artemis, the goddess of hunting and wildlife. The name Apollo is derived from the Greek word 'apellō' which means "to destroy" or "to strike", reflecting his mighty power in mythology. The name gained popularity outside of Greece with the Roman conquest, where it was adapted as Apollo in Latin. Today, Apollo is a common given name, particularly in English-speaking countries, and is often associated with intelligence, beauty, and power.

Character traits associated with the name Apolo

Apollo, as a name, is often associated with several admirable character traits. The name Apollo is derived from the Greek god Apollo, known for his versatility, intelligence, and artistic inclinations. Individuals named Apollo are believed to possess qualities such as leadership, courage, and creativity. They are thought to be strong, independent, and confident individuals who excel in various domains, whether it's music, arts, science, or athletics. Apollo is also associated with wisdom, harmony, and orderliness, reflecting the intellectual and organized nature of those who bear this name. Furthermore, Apollo is often linked to the ideal of balance, as he was a god of many aspects, from medicine to poetry, music, and archery.

Popularity of the name Apolo

The first name Apollo has gained considerable popularity in recent years, both in the United States and globally. Originating from Greek mythology as the god of the sun, Apollo is viewed as a strong and noble name that appeals to many parents seeking unique yet meaningful names for their children. In the U.S., the name has steadily risen in popularity since the early 2000s, according to data from the Social Security Administration, reaching its peak of rank 75 in 2018. The name is particularly popular among parents who value cultural references and mythology, as well as those seeking a unisex name that has both masculine and feminine variations. Overall, Apollo's roots in ancient history and its contemporary appeal make it a compelling choice for many families today.

Famous people with the name Apolo

Apolo Ohno is perhaps the most renowned individual named Apolo, known for his achievements in speed skating. He is an American athlete who won eight Olympic medals, including two golds, over the course of his career. Born in Seattle, Washington, he began skating at a young age and quickly rose to prominence. In addition to athletics, Apolo Anton Ohno has also ventured into reality television and business endeavors, further cementing his status as a popular figure. Another notable figure named Apolo is Apolo Cusi, a Filipino politician who served as the Secretary of Transportation in the Duterte administration from 2016 to 2019. Cusi previously held various positions within the Department of Energy and was a member of the Philippine House of Representatives for the second legislative district of Isabela.

Variations of the name Apolo

The name Apollo is a unisex given name derived from the Greek god Apollo, the god of music, poetry, art, and prophecy. It has gained popularity in various forms across different cultures and languages. Here are several variations:

1. Apollo: This is the original form of the name, derived from the ancient Greek god.
2. Apolinário (Portuguese): A Portuguese variation that means "protector of the city."
3. Apollinaris (Latin): The Latinized version of Apollo, often used in Roman names.
4. Apollonius (Ancient Greek): Another form of Apollo, which was a common name among philosophers and saints in ancient Greece.
5. Apollon (Russian): A Russian variation that means "the sun."
6. Apolinary (Polish): A Polish variant of the name, meaning "protector of mankind."
7. Apolónio (Galician): The Galician (a language spoken in northwest Spain) version of the name, derived from Apollo.
8. Apolo: This is a popular form of Apollo in Spanish-speaking countries. It has also been used as a surname in some cultures.
9. Apoll: While not an exact variation, it's a shortened and informal version commonly used in French-speaking regions.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 30 July 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Apoka (First name)

forenames > apoka

The origin of the name "Apoka" is not clear as it does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning in the English language.

Apollo-blaise (First name)

forenames > apollo-blaise

The name "Apollo" is of Greek origin, derived from the name of the Greek god Apollo, who was the god of music, poetry, light and the sun. The name "Blaise" is of French origin, and...

Apollo-reade (First name)

forenames > apollo-reade

The name "Apollo" is of Greek origin, derived from the name of the Greek god of the sun, light, music, poetry, and healing. The name "Reade" is of English origin, meaning "red-hair...

Apoorva (First name)

forenames > apoorva

The name Apoorva has its origin in the Sanskrit language, which is an ancient language of India. In Sanskrit, "apoorva" (अपूर्व) means "rare" or "unprecedented." It is ...

Aporna (First name)

forenames > aporna

The first name "Aparna" is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "aparṇa" which means "leafless" or "without leaves". It is a popular name among Hindus and is of...

Apost tony (First name)

forenames > apost-tony

The first name "Apostol" has its origin in Greek and means "apostle" or "messenger." It is derived from the Greek word "apostolos," which refers to someone who is sent out to accom...

Apostolidis (First name)

forenames > apostolidis

The first name "Apostolidis" is of Greek origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the Greek word "apostolos," which means "apostle" or "messenger." In Greek tradition, many ...

Apostolis (First name)

forenames > apostolis

The name Apostolis is of Greek origin. It is a derivative of the Greek name Apostolos, which means "apostle" or "messenger" in English. It is often used in Greece and other Greek-s...