Origin and meaning of the name Aquarius

The name Aquarius is derived from Latin and means "the water-bearer" or "water carrier." In ancient Greek mythology, the constellation of Aquarius is depicted as a man pouring water from an urn. The name was officially adopted by the Romans for their eleventh month, which in the Julian calendar corresponded to modern January. In astrology, the horoscope sign of Aquarius represents those born between approximately January 20 and February 18.

Learn more about the origin of the name Aquarius

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Aquarius

The name Aquarius originates from ancient astrology, stemming from Latin and Greek roots. In astronomy, it refers to the 11th zodiac constellation, which is represented by the Water Bearer. This constellation includes some of the brightest stars in the night sky and can be traced back to ancient Babylonian astrology. In terms of meaning, Aquarius signifies flowing water or rain pouring out of an urn, symbolizing the life-giving aspect of water. Individuals born between January 20th and February 18th are attributed to this zodiac sign, associated with attributes such as being independent, innovative, analytical, and unconventional. The name Aquarius has been used since ancient times, reflecting the constellation's unique representation in the night sky.

Character traits associated with the name Aquarius

Aquarius individuals are often recognized for their innovative and original thinking, as well as their intellect and analytical mind. They possess strong problem-solving skills and have a tendency to be independent and self-reliant. Aquarians are known for their humanitarian spirit and compassion towards others, making them strong advocates for justice and equality. They value freedom highly and can sometimes come across as unconventional or even rebellious in their personal lives or professional pursuits. Additionally, they are known for being good listeners, enjoying intellectual conversations, and possessing a strong sense of loyalty to those they care about. However, Aquarians may struggle with emotional expression and maintaining close relationships due to their independent nature. They can also be prone to mood swings and may require time alone to recharge.

Popularity of the name Aquarius

The name Aquarius is not universally popular across all cultures and regions, but it has gained some recognition, particularly in the United States and countries with strong influences from Western culture. In the US, according to data from the Social Security Administration, the name Aquarius was first given to a baby boy in 1970, and since then, its usage has fluctuated. Its highest rank in popularity was in 2003 when it was the 506th most popular name for boys, but by 2020, it had dropped to 1,834th. The name Aquarius is associated with the astrological sign of the same name, which may contribute to its appeal among those who follow astrology. However, its overall popularity remains relatively low compared to other names in common usage.

Famous people with the name Aquarius

Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac and is associated with individuals born between January 20 and February 18. Notable figures with this birth sign include:

1. Edgar Allan Poe, an American writer, editor, and literary critic best known for his dark and mysterious tales of terror, such as "The Raven" and "Tell-Tale Heart."

2. Nelson Mandela, a South African politician who served as President from 1994 to 1999 after spending 27 years in prison for opposing apartheid, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

3. Galileo Galilei, an Italian physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher who played a significant role in the scientific revolution during the Renaissance. He made several important discoveries, including the moons of Jupiter.

4. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, led the country through its greatest internal crisis, the American Civil War, and is remembered for his leadership, emancipation proclamation, and eventual abolition of slavery.

5. Will Smith, an American actor, rapper, and producer who achieved success in various genres of entertainment, earning a reputation as one of the most influential cultural icons of his era.

Variations of the name Aquarius

Aquarius is primarily recognized as a unisex given name that originates from the constellation of the same name in astronomy. This celestial body represents the water bearer in Roman mythology. As a personal name, it has been used for both boys and girls since the 17th century. Variations of the name Aquarius may include:

1. Aquerius (Latin form)
2. Akarious (Greek form)
3. Aqirius (Roman-inspired variation)
4. Kairos (Ancient Greek word for "opportune moment," considered a synonym in certain cultures)
5. Aquilus (Latin, meaning "eagle")
6. Akira (Japanese adaptation of the name, popularized by the famous anime character Akira from Katsuhiro Otomo's manga and anime series)
7. Qirius (alternative spelling with a unique flair)
8. Aqil (Arabic form)
9. Acquiles (Portuguese variation)
10. Aquerio (Spanish variant)
11. Akaryus (a creative blend of the original Latin and Greek forms).

These variations showcase the versatility and adaptability of the name Aquarius across different cultures and languages.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "aquarius"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 29 July 2025

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