Atlas

Meaning of Atlas

Atlas stems from ancient Greek myth, where the Titan of the same name was fated to shoulder the heavens—an image that still lends the name its quiet grandeur and suggestion of endurance. Linguistically, Atlas entered English through Latin without significant alteration; contemporary English speakers typically pronounce it AT-luhs, a phonetic rendering that has remained stable for centuries. In modern usage the name has slipped the bonds of legend and cartography—think of the bound volumes of maps—moving briskly up the U.S. popularity charts: from a mere 603 newborns in 2015 to 3,417 in 2024, a thirteen-fold increase that now places it comfortably within the national top-100. Culturally, Atlas appeals to parents who favor mythological depth yet want a brisk, two-syllable sound that feels current alongside names like Felix or Silas. Its connotations of strength, exploration, and global awareness grant it a cosmopolitan polish without feeling ornate, while the absence of obvious nicknames keeps the name compact and self-contained—a trait many find refreshingly straightforward.

Pronunciation

British English

• Pronunced as AT-luhs (/ˈatləs/)

American English

• Pronunced as AT-luhs (/ætˈlɑs/)

• Augustus
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• Atticus
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