Icarus

What does the baby name Icarus mean? Learn about what Icarus means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Icarus - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Icarus: I-C-A-R-U-S, is a 6-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Icarus: IK-ə-rəs; IK ah rus
Meaning of Icarus: Follower, uncertain, perhaps 'he follows.
Origin of Icarus: The name 'Icarus' finds its origins in Greek mythology. In the ancient Greek tale of 'Icarus' and Daedalus, 'Icarus' was the son of the skilled craftsman Daedalus. They were imprisoned on the island of Crete, and in an attempt to escape, Daedalus created wings made of feathers and wax. Despite his father's warnings, 'Icarus' flew too close to the sun, causing the wax to melt and him to fall into the sea.; Greek Names; Mythological Names
Popularity of Icarus: The name 'Icarus' has not been widely used throughout history. It has maintained a relatively low level of popularity, with occasional spikes in usage. One notable spike occurred in the late 19th century, during the period of the Aesthetic Movement, which celebrated beauty and art for art's sake. The name 'Icarus', with its mythological connotations, appealed to those who embraced the movement's ideals.; Icarus currently has 1 like, and is in the top 15% of liked boy's names. The name Issa is slightly more popular than Icarus.

Etymology of Icarus

The name 'Icarus' has its roots in ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek word 'Ikaros', which is believed to have originated from the word 'íkarios', meaning 'follower'. This etymology suggests that 'Icarus' was seen as a follower of his father, Daedalus, in their attempt to escape their imprisonment.

Cultural Significance of Icarus

The name 'Icarus' holds great cultural significance in various contexts. In literature, it has been used to symbolize the pursuit of ambition and the consequences of hubris. 'Icarus' represents the human desire to reach new heights, even if it means defying the limits set by nature. The cautionary tale of 'Icarus' serves as a reminder of the dangers of recklessness and overreaching.