Apollos

Meaning & origin

Apollos is a rare but rising name, recorded in the United States since at least 1987. As of 2025, it ranked 4396th and is given to roughly 1 in every 74,264 boys. Its use has been climbing steadily since 2006, with its highest rank so far in 2023. The name has not yet appeared in any top-state lists, suggesting its use is geographically scattered. Apollos carries layered historical and religious significance: it appears in the New Testament as an eloquent Jewish Christian teacher, and its etymology ties into Greek mythology via the god Apollo. This dual heritage makes it appealing to families drawn to both classical and biblical names. The name's modest but increasing popularity places it alongside other revivalist choices that blend ancient roots with modern rarity.

Apollos is a name of debated derivation. It may be a variant of the Greek name Apollo, associated with the god of music, poetry, and prophecy; the meaning is uncertain, often theorized as 'destroyer' or related to the Doric word for 'sacred precinct'. Alternatively, it could be a Hellenized form of the Hebrew name Avilos (Abilus), meaning 'the father is God'. In the New Testament, Apollos was a first-century Alexandrian Jewish Christian known for his eloquence and learning. The name has seen modest use in English-speaking countries, particularly among religious families, and has gained some attention in recent decades.