Rising since 2012, #2,884 for boys today.
Popularity of Hades since 2006
Babies named Hades per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 68 |
| 2020s | 188 |
Meaning & origin
The name Hades has seen a steady rise in popularity since it first appeared in U.S. records in 2006. By 2025, it reached its peak rank of 2,884, with about 1 in 39,723 boys receiving the name that year. Its trajectory has been rising since 2012, reflecting growing interest in mythological and unconventional names. The name is most popular in California and Texas, states with large and diverse populations. Despite its association with the god of the underworld, modern parents are drawn to its strong sound and mythological heritage, often pairing it with sister names like Persephone or brother names like Zeus. As a modern coinage, its meaning is linked to the Greek word for 'unseen,' but the name itself carries the weight of ancient legend.
Hades comes from Greek mythology, where Hades is the god of the underworld. The name's etymology is uncertain, but it may derive from the Greek word 'aidēs' (unseen), referring to the invisible realm of the dead. Though a mythological figure, the name as a given name is a modern development, first recorded in the United States in 2006, likely influenced by popular culture and a trend toward mythological names.
Where Hades is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Hades” around the world
Where Hades lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Hades
Names that share Hades's style, for a brother or sister.
