Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Apollo

      Origin

      Greek

      Meaning

      Destroyer

      Variations

      Apollonia, Apolo, Apolline
      The name Apollo, derived from ancient Greek mythology, holds deep historical roots and has persisted as a powerful symbol of various aspects in both history and modern times. In Greek mythology, Apollo was one of the major Olympian gods known for his multifaceted nature, embodying traits such as healing, music, poetry, and prophecy. However, the etymology of the name itself reveals a more intriguing aspect, as it originates from the Greek word apollumi, which signifies destruction or ruin. This seemingly contradictory meaning of Destroyer contrasts with the positive attributes commonly associated with Apollo. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the word apollumi also conveys a sense of purification or cleansing, signifying that destruction can lead to renewal and growth.

      Throughout ancient history, the name Apollo frequently appeared in various cultural and religious contexts. For instance, Apollo was worshipped as an important deity in ancient Greece, where magnificent temples, such as the renowned Temple of Apollo at Delphi, were dedicated to his worship. Apollo's significance extended beyond Greece as well, as he became assimilated into the Roman pantheon of gods under the same name. In both Greek and Roman mythology, Apollo's divine attributes and complex nature led to his association with notions of harmony, creativity, and enlightenment.

      Today, the name Apollo continues to resonate in modern-day usage. Although not as common as it once was, Apollo is still used as a first name worldwide and is often chosen for its strong historical and mythological significance. Moreover, the name Apollo has also been adopted in various popular culture phenomena, such as literature, films, and video games, further cementing its place in contemporary society. With its profound origins and multifaceted meanings, the name Apollo remains an enduring symbol that encapsulates both power and destruction, evoking a sense of awe and fascination across diverse cultural landscapes.

      Based on our records...

      Szabo

      Szabo

      This is the most common surname associated with Apollo.
      Janos

      Janos

      This is the most common name of those married to a Apollo.
      Maria

      Maria

      This is the most common name for a child of a Apollo.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1775 is when there were the most people born with the first name Apollo.

      Explore the origins of another name.