Holding steady, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Argus since 1912
Babies named Argus per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Argus's real moment was 1912.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 50 |
| 1920s | 76 |
| 1930s | 35 |
| 1940s | 11 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 28 |
Meaning & origin
Argus is a rare Greek mythological name that has seen minimal but steady use in the United States since the early 20th century. First recorded in 1912, its peak year also in 1912, the name has never achieved widespread popularity. As of 2025, Argus ranks 10,695, with approximately 1 in 284,679 newborn boys receiving the name. Its trajectory is stable, reflecting consistent but very low usage. The name has no strong association with any U.S. state, as it has never appeared among the top names in any state. Argus offers a distinctive choice for parents drawn to classical mythology, though its rare usage means it remains unconventional.
Argus derives from the Greek mythological figure Argus Panoptes, a hundred-eyed giant who served as a watchman for Hera. The name is often interpreted as 'bright' or 'shining' from the Greek 'argos', but its exact etymology is uncertain. Used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, it has seen occasional use as a given name, particularly in the United States.
Sibling names for Argus
Names that share Argus's style, for a brother or sister.
