Holding steady.
Popularity of Delos since 1880
Babies named Delos per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1923, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Delos's real moment was 1890.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 30 |
| 1890s | 35 |
| 1900s | 32 |
| 1910s | 249 |
| 1920s | 365 |
| 1930s | 262 |
| 1940s | 144 |
| 1950s | 115 |
| 1960s | 50 |
| 1970s | 14 |
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 6 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Delos is a rare classical name drawn from Greek mythology and geography. The name first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1880, with its peak year of usage occurring in 1890. Despite its long history, Delos has never ranked among the top 1000 names in any year, and it remains a distinctive choice. Its stable trajectory over the decades suggests a name that has seen consistent but very low usage, never experiencing a significant surge or decline. The name's direct link to the sacred Greek island of Delos gives it a mythological aura, appealing to parents drawn to classical or place names. Unlike more common ancient names, Delos offers a singular identity without heavy cultural baggage.
Delos is a name taken directly from the Greek island of Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The island's name is of uncertain etymology, though it was associated with the Greek word "delos" (meaning clear or visible). The name was used sparingly in the English-speaking world from the 19th century onward, perhaps as a classical revival name.
Sibling names for Delos
Names that share Delos's style, for a brother or sister.
