Apollonia

Meaning & origin

Apollonia is a distinctive feminine name with deep roots in Greek mythology and early Christian history. Derived from the name of the god Apollo, it was borne by Saint Apollonia of Alexandria, a 3rd-century martyr. The name first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1895, and its peak year of usage came much later, in 1985, during the height of the 1980s revival of classical and mythological names. Despite its antique pedigree, Apollonia has never ranked among the top 1,000 names and remains a rare choice. Its trajectory has been rising since 1997, suggesting a modest resurgence among parents drawn to uncommon yet historically rich names. While it did not appear as a top state name in any region, its niche appeal endures.

The name Apollonia is the feminine form of the Greek masculine name Apollonios, derived from the name of the god Apollo. It was a common name in ancient Greece and appears in early Christian history as the name of a saint, Saint Apollonia of Alexandria, a 3rd-century martyr. The name saw revived use in the English-speaking world from the 18th century onward, with occasional popularity in the United States.