The nameAchille
Achille is the French form of Achilles, the hero of the Iliad. Vintage and heroic, it has come back into fashion in France since the 2010s.
- Boy's name
- Greek
Meaning
The meaning of Achilles is debated. It is sometimes linked to akhos, "grief", and laos, "people", but nothing is certain.
Origin
Greek. Achilles, son of the goddess Thetis, is the greatest Greek warrior of the Trojan War. Only his heel is vulnerable.
History
The name was used in the 19th century, then came back in the 2010s among heroic and old names, reaching its highest level in France in recent years.
Did you know?
- According to legend, his mother Thetis dipped Achilles in the Styx holding him by the heel, which stayed vulnerable. Hence the phrase Achilles heel.
Famous people named Achille
- Achilles, hero of the Iliad
- Achille Zavatta, clown
Popularity of the name Achille
Achille in France
Achille was most popular in France in the 2010s, with 4,135 births over the decade, 22% of all recorded babies named Achille. Half of all babies named Achille in France were born before 2006, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 714 births a year on average, against 479 in the five years before.
Achille in Belgium
Achille was most popular in Belgium in the 2020s, with 1,139 births over the decade, 45% of all recorded babies named Achille. Its rise began around 2001, and it peaked in 2023. Half of all babies named Achille in Belgium were born before 2018, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 196 births a year on average, against 123 in the five years before.
Achille in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Achille mean?
The meaning of Achilles is debated. It is sometimes linked to akhos, "grief", and laos, "people", but nothing is certain.
What is the origin of the name Achille?
Greek. Achilles, son of the goddess Thetis, is the greatest Greek warrior of the Trojan War. Only his heel is vulnerable.
Is Achille a girl's or a boy's name?
Achille is a boy's name.
Who are famous people named Achille?
Achilles, hero of the Iliad; Achille Zavatta, clown.