Rising since 1988, #5,399 for boys today.
Popularity of Helio since 1972
Babies named Helio per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 46 |
| 2000s | 89 |
| 2010s | 113 |
| 2020s | 78 |
Meaning & origin
Helio, derived from the Greek word for 'sun', has a bright and mythic quality. First recorded in the U.S. in 1972, it has been rising in use since 1988, though it remains uncommon. Its peak year was 2008, and as of 2025 it ranks 5,399, given to about 1 in 100,475 newborn boys. The name is most popular in California. Helio carries a modern, celestial feel without being trendy, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name.
Helio derives from the Greek word 'helios', meaning 'sun'. In Greek mythology, Helios was the personification of the sun, driving a chariot across the sky. The name has been used in various European languages, often as a short form of longer names like Heliodoro or Helios. It gained moderate modern usage, particularly in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries.
Where Helio is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Helio” around the world
Where Helio lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
170
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Helios
Sibling names for Helio
Names that share Helio's style, for a brother or sister.
