Origin and meaning of the name Atalante

Atalanta is an ancient Greek name derived from the Greek word "atalante" which means "equal in contest" or "not to be outdone". It is primarily associated with Atalanta, a mythological heroine from Greek mythology. The legend of Atalanta tells that she was a swift runner who vowed to remain a virgin and never wed unless the suitor could beat her in a footrace. This name became popular in the English-speaking world during the Renaissance when Greek mythology was rediscovered.

Learn more about the origin of the name Atalante

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Atalante

Atalante is a mythical female character from Greek mythology, primarily known through the works of Ovid in his "Metamorphoses." The name Atalante is derived from the ancient Greek 'atalanta' meaning "offspring of Atlas," referencing her father, who was believed to be Atlas, the titan who holds up the celestial spheres. In the myth, Atalante was a swift-footed huntress, noted for her exceptional speed and independence. According to one tale, she was abandoned as an infant by her parents, left on Mount Cyllene to perish. However, she was found and raised by a bear named Meleagantis who nurtured her until she was discovered by hunters. Atalante later participated in the Calydonian Boar Hunt, demonstrating her skill as a huntress and eventually falling in love with Hippomenes, after he won a race against her. The name Atalante has been used since antiquity and continues to be popular today, symbolizing strength, independence, and agility.

Character traits associated with the name Atalante

Atalante, a Greek mythological figure, is often associated with traits such as courage, speed, and independence. Born from Gaia (the Earth) and Iasos (a river), she was raised by bears and possessed extraordinary agility and swiftness, which were later refined through her training in hunting and athletics. Her unique upbringing imbued Atalante with a strong sense of self-reliance, as she was capable of surviving in the wild without human assistance. However, despite her independence, she eventually fell in love with Hippomenes and agreed to marry him under the condition that he not speak of her past as a bear-raised huntress during their wedding festivities. This display of vulnerability suggests that Atalante may also be characterized by an understated emotional depth, though it is often overshadowed by her bold exterior. Overall, Atalante embodies the spirit of resilience and determination, demonstrating that even those who defy traditional societal norms can find love and acceptance on their own terms.

Popularity of the name Atalante

The name Atalante is relatively uncommon in global usage, with low frequency across various countries and regions. It originates from Greek mythology, being the name of an athletic huntress and one of the Calydonian Boar Hunters. The name has a unique origin but is not commonly bestowed upon newborns in modern times. Its popularity varies significantly depending on cultural context, with greater recognition in areas with a strong connection to Greek mythology or classical studies. In the United States, for instance, Atalante ranked outside the top 1000 most popular girls' names in 2020, according to data from the Social Security Administration. The name Atalante is not widely used but carries an intriguing historical and mythological connotation.

Famous people with the name Atalante

Atalanta is a relatively uncommon female given name, primarily associated with mythology and a few notable individuals. In Greek mythology, Atalanta was a legendary huntress who could best any man in a footrace. She was famously outwitted by Hippomenes, who threw golden apples during the race to distract her. Another well-known figure named Atalanta is the Italian opera singer Atalanta Meccarielli (1863-1947), known for her contralto voice and operatic roles in Verdi's Otello and Aida, among others. In modern times, Atalanta Bougard (born 1982) is a French comic book artist and illustrator, best known for co-creating the series "Hawkeye" with Matt Fraction. Although less common, Atalante remains an intriguing name associated with strong, independent women across various fields.

Variations of the name Atalante

Atalanta is a unique and captivating female given name, originating from Greek mythology. It is derived from the word "ataxos," meaning "unequalled" or "without equal." Variations of this name include Atalante, Atala, Atalia, Talantia, and Talthybia.

Atalanta, the most common variant, was a heroine in Greek mythology, known for her strength, hunting skills, and exceptional beauty. She was a fierce competitor who often outmatched men in contests of skill and speed.

Atala is a shortened form of Atalanta, found predominantly among Portuguese speakers. It retains the original meaning but presents a more compact and accessible spelling.

Atalia, on the other hand, has a different origin, being a feminine form of Atalus, a name of Greek-Macedonian ancestry. However, it shares the same root as Atalanta, making it a potential variation.

Talantia is another form of Atalanta that can be found in some Slavic cultures. This variant is less common but preserves the original meaning effectively.

Lastly, Talthybia, though rare, is another variant of the name. It was borne by a character in Greek mythology who served as a messenger for the goddess Hera, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of the Atalanta name.

These variations offer a range of choices for those seeking a distinctive and meaningful name inspired by Greek mythology.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "atalante"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends