Rising since 1990, #1,347 for boys today.
Popularity of Zeus since 1973
Babies named Zeus per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 17 |
| 1980s | 43 |
| 1990s | 102 |
| 2000s | 363 |
| 2010s | 1,127 |
| 2020s | 1,044 |
Meaning & origin
Zeus, a name drawn directly from Greek mythology, was first recorded in U.S. birth data in 1973. As of 2025, it ranked 1,347th in popularity, with about 1 in 12,201 boys receiving the name. Its trajectory shows steady growth since 1990, peaking in 2024. The name is most popular in Maryland, Illinois, and Arizona. Though still uncommon, Zeus reflects a broader trend of mythological names gaining visibility in modern American naming.
Zeus is the name of the supreme god in ancient Greek mythology, ruler of Mount Olympus. The name's etymology is debated, but it is likely derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *dyeu-, meaning 'to shine' or 'sky', related to the Sanskrit Dyaus and Latin Jupiter. As a given name, it has seen limited but increasing use in the English-speaking world since the late 20th century, often chosen for its mythological associations.
Where Zeus is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Zeus
Names that share Zeus's style, for a brother or sister.
