Origin and meaning of the name Iraklis

The first name "Iraklis" is of Greek origin. It is a variant form of the ancient Greek name "Heracles", which was Latinized as "Hercules". The name Heracles is derived from the Greek words "heros", meaning "hero", and "alces", meaning "stag". This name became popular in Greek mythology as Heracles (or Hercules in Roman mythology), the demigod known for his strength and bravery. Over time, regional variations have arisen, with "Iraklis" being one such variation in the modern Greek language.

Learn more about the origin of the name Iraklis

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Iraklis

The name Iraklis (also spelled as Heracles or Herakles) is of Greek origin and is derived from the word "heros," which means "hero." It is best known as the name of the legendary Greek hero Hercules, who was the son of Zeus and Alcmene. In Greek mythology, Hercules was celebrated for his strength, bravery, and wisdom, as well as his twelve labors, which included tasks such as slaying the Nemean Lion and capturing the Golden Hind. The name Iraklis is still common in Greece today and carries the connotation of heroism, power, and determination. It is also a name associated with ancient Greek culture and heritage.

Character traits associated with the name Iraklis

Iraklis is often associated with strength, bravery, and leadership. Named after the ancient Greek hero Heracles (Hercules), this name carries an inherent connotation of power and determination. Individuals named Iraklis are typically regarded as ambitious, tenacious, and strong-willed. They possess a deep sense of responsibility and are often natural leaders, willing to take charge in any situation. Their courage and resilience make them well-suited for overcoming challenges and achieving their goals. However, this strength can sometimes manifest as stubbornness or impulsiveness, requiring self-discipline and reflection to harness their potential effectively. Overall, the name Iraklis embodies the spirit of a fearless conqueror, capable of great feats and inspiring others with their indomitable will.

Popularity of the name Iraklis

The Greek name Iraklis, derived from the mythical hero Heracles, has a notable presence within the Greek-speaking population, particularly in Greece and the diaspora communities. Despite not being as widely used globally, it enjoys a fair degree of popularity among Greeks due to its historical and cultural significance. The name is often given to boys born into families who wish to honor their heritage or pass on traditional Greek names. In contemporary times, however, the usage of Iraklis has somewhat diminished compared to other popular Greek names such as Konstantinos, Georgios, and Ioannis. Nonetheless, it remains a distinctive choice for those seeking a strong and heroic-sounding name with a rich cultural background.

Famous people with the name Iraklis

Iraklis is a significant name, primarily associated with Greek culture and history due to its biblical and mythological origins. Notable individuals bearing this name include Iraklis Makedonas, a prominent footballer who played for Panathinaikos FC and the Greek national team in the 1970s and 1980s, considered one of the greatest players in Greek football history. Another well-known figure is Iraklis Tsavellas, a modern Greek poet and author who wrote under the pen name Ilias Venezis. His works include "The Song of Daphnis and Chloe" and "Erotokritos," influential pieces in modern Greek literature. Lastly, Iraklis Varlamis, a distinguished historian and archaeologist, was a key figure in excavations at ancient sites such as Mycenae and Tiryns, contributing significantly to our understanding of the Bronze Age in Greece. These figures exemplify the diverse achievements and impact of individuals named Iraklis across various fields.

Variations of the name Iraklis

The name Iraklis, originally derived from the ancient Greek hero Heracles, has several variants and spellings across different languages. In English, it is commonly known as Hercules, but other transliterations include Iракλης (Greek), Іраклій (Cyrillic Greek), Eirikli (Turkish), Iraklejus (Lithuanian), Ieraclaeus (Latin), Eracle (Portuguese and Spanish), Ercole (Italian), Héracles (French) and Herkules (German). The name is often associated with strength, courage, and heroism, reflecting the mythical tales of the ancient Greek hero. It has been popular in various cultures throughout history, demonstrating its enduring significance.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "iraklis"
• 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

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