The Meaning and Popularity of the Female Name Atlas

Atlas is a bold and unique female name that has gained steady popularity in recent years. While traditionally a male name, Atlas has increasingly been embraced as a stylish choice for girls.

Origin and Meaning

The name Atlas derives from Greek mythology, where Atlas was the titan who was forced to hold up the heavens on his shoulders. The name means "to bear" or "to support" in Greek, reflecting the strength and determination associated with this legendary figure.

Variations and alternate spellings of the name Atlas include Atlys, Atlus, and Atlis. These different forms can lend the name a more feminine or masculine feel depending on personal preference.

Popularity and Trends

Atlas ranked as the 1,391st most popular baby name for girls in the United States in 2022, with 5 newborn girls receiving the name that year. While still relatively uncommon, the name has seen a modest rise in usage over the past decade, appealing to parents seeking strong, nature-inspired names for their daughters.

Some key popularity trends for the female name Atlas include:

• The name has appeared on the US Top 1000 list for girls since 2011, slowly gaining ground each year.
• Atlas ranked highest in 2021 when it was the 1,188th most popular name for newborn girls.
• Usage of the name remains more common in certain regions, like the western and northeastern United States.

Notable Name Bearers

Notable women named Atlas are somewhat limited, as the name is still relatively uncommon. However, a few examples include:

• Atlas Heche Tupper, the daughter of actress Anne Heche
• Atlas Corrigan, a character in the Netflix series "You"

As the name continues to gain traction, it's likely we'll see more high-profile female Atlases emerge in the years to come.

Style and Traits

Atlas is considered a bold, adventurous name that conveys a sense of strength and independence. It has a distinctly modern, nature-inspired style that appeals to parents looking for a unique yet empowering name for their daughter.

Individuals with the name Atlas are often perceived as ambitious, resilient, and capable of taking on challenges. The name's mythological roots also suggest a sense of wisdom, intelligence, and leadership. Atlas is well-suited for the parents who want to give their daughter a name that reflects her inner fortitude.

Name Flow and Combinations

The name Atlas flows well with a variety of middle and last names. Some complementary pairings include:

• Atlas Jane Pearson
• Atlas Rose Whitaker
• Atlas Paige Emerson

When selecting a middle name, parents may want to consider options that provide a softer, more feminine contrast to the bold nature of Atlas, such as Grace, Mae, or Elise.

Cultural Significance

In Greek mythology, Atlas was punished by the gods to hold up the heavens, making him a symbol of great strength and perseverance. This legacy has led to numerous cultural references to the Atlas figure, including:

• The Atlas Mountains in North Africa
• Atlas, the lead character in Ayn Rand's novel "Atlas Shrugged"
• The Atlas rocket, an American launch vehicle developed in the 1950s

For parents drawn to names with rich mythological roots and cultural significance, Atlas is a meaningful choice for a daughter.

Alternative Name Ideas

If you're considering the name Atlas for your baby girl, here are a few similar options to explore:

• Athena - Another strong, empowered name from Greek mythology
• Orion - A celestial, nature-inspired name with a bold, adventurous vibe
• Elliana - A feminine alternative with a similar meaning of "God has answered"

These names share Atlas' sense of strength and uniqueness, making them great options to pair or combine with the name.