Rising since 2017, #8,243 for boys today.
Popularity of Prometheus since 2013
Babies named Prometheus per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2010s | 46 |
| 2020s | 55 |
Meaning & origin
Prometheus is a mythological name drawn from Greek legend, where the Titan Prometheus is celebrated as the benefactor of humanity who stole fire from the gods. The name entered U.S. birth records only recently, first recorded in 2013, and has seen a slow but steady rise in use since 2017. As of 2025, it ranked 8,243 nationally, with a frequency of 1 in 189,786 births. Its peak popularity so far came in 2022. The name remains extremely uncommon, appealing to parents who favor classical mythology and distinctive, intelligent-sounding names. Its meaning 'forethought' captures the Titan's cunning and foresight, making it a name with deep literary and cultural resonance.
From Greek Προμηθεύς (Prometheus), meaning 'forethought.' In Greek mythology, Prometheus was a Titan who shaped humans from clay and stole fire from the gods to give to humanity, an act for which he was punished by Zeus. The name is composed of pro 'before' and mētis 'craft, thought.' It has been used as a given name in modern times, particularly in English-speaking countries, reflecting mythological and literary interest.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pro, Metheus, Theo
Sibling names for Prometheus
Names that share Prometheus's style, for a brother or sister.
