Atlantis

Meaning & origin

Atlantis is a name that evokes the legendary lost island of Greek myth, making it a distinctive and imaginative choice. First recorded in the U.S. in 1977, it showed a moderate rise in the late 1990s and early 2000s, reaching its peak rank of 6,838 in 2002. Since then, it has trended downward, with a current 1-in-100,454 frequency as of 2025. Despite its falling trajectory, the name remains a rare and striking option, free from strong associations with any particular state or region. Its appeal lies in its mythological resonance and the sense of mystery it carries, similar to other nature and fantasy names like Aurora or Orion. Given its rarity and recent history, Atlantis feels both ancient and modern, a name that stands apart without being overly eccentric.

The name Atlantis comes from the Greek myth of a powerful island civilization said to have sunk into the ocean, first described by Plato around 360 BCE. The name is formed from the Greek stem Atlant- (referring to the Titan Atlas) plus a feminine suffix. It has been used as a given name rarely, mostly as a modern, creative choice, with early recorded use in the United States starting in 1977.